Jonathan Wheatley Dismisses Nico Hulkenberg's Recent Form Slump

Since his breakthrough podium at the British Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg has faced a tougher run, failing to score points and prompting concerns about a dip in form. However, Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley insists this is merely a 'transient thing,' highlighting the fiercely competitive midfield.

Why it matters:

After years without a podium, Hulkenberg's Silverstone success was a significant moment. His subsequent struggle to score points, especially as rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto consistently performs, raises questions about his consistency. Understanding the team's perspective on this dynamic is crucial for evaluating Sauber's overall performance and their strategy in the tight midfield battle.

The details:

• Hulkenberg's last points finish was his podium at the British Grand Prix, a stark contrast to his recent results.
• In Azerbaijan, he finished 16th, five places behind Bortoleto, and in Italy, a hydraulic issue prevented him from starting.
• Prior to these, he hadn't finished better than 12th in three consecutive races.
• Rookie Performance: During this same five-race period, Gabriel Bortoleto has secured three top-10 finishes, accumulating 14 points.
• Wheatley's Defense: Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley acknowledges growing questions about Hulkenberg's form but maintains there's no "fundamental issue."
  • He emphasizes Hulkenberg's extensive experience and speed, attributing near misses in qualifying to tiny margins.
  • Wheatley suggests the intense midfield competition, where small differences dictate outcomes, is a major factor in the fluctuating results.

The big picture:

Sauber currently holds eighth place in the Constructors' Championship with 55 points, a mere seven points behind Aston Martin in seventh, and just 17 points shy of Racing Bulls in sixth. Conversely, Haas is only 11 points behind Sauber in ninth. This incredibly close battle means that maximizing potential on any given weekend is paramount, and even minor fluctuations in driver performance or car setup can dramatically alter championship standings. In such a competitive environment, a team's ability to consistently extract performance from both drivers is key to climbing the grid.

What's next:

Wheatley views Hulkenberg's current downturn as temporary, expecting the veteran driver to "string it together" soon. He points to minor incidents, like a qualifying bump in Baku, as disruptors to an otherwise confident run. With the midfield battle intensifying, both Hulkenberg and Bortoleto will need to consistently deliver strong performances to help Sauber improve its standing. If Hulkenberg can regain his earlier season form, Sauber could solidify its position and potentially challenge higher up the Constructors' Championship.