Nico Hulkenberg led the line admirably for Haas as the American team stepped up its performance for 2024.
Brilliantly consistent in the first 10 races, all but one of his finishes in those were inside of the ninth/10th/11th bracket, then he took advantage of Haas upgrades to finish sixth in the Austrian and British Grands Prix.
The German scored points in all but one of the last seven rounds – only missing out when he was disqualified in Brazil – with some wonderful qualifying efforts peppered throughout the year. Will have his work cut out to match his starring turns over 2024 with Sauber next year.
Hulkenberg on his 2024 season
Prior to the end of his F1 campaign, Hulkenberg sat down with Autosport to evaluate the year, including discussing how his relationship with now-former team-mate Kevin Magnussen has evolved.
AS: Shame not to get P6 over the line, but pleased to leave with a positive result?
NH: "Very good. You forget quickly where we were last year and how down we were some days and how much shit we had to eat. It was tough last year and to have come out and turned that situation around like we did is a hell of an achievement from everyone in the team and I've really enjoyed being a part of that.
"It's been very enjoyable with everyone, I think Ayao has done a fantastic job this year as TP. So many things came at him and he's really worked through all of them, it's been impressive and good. I leave happy and they're a strong contender if they keep working like this. I know they're a serious contender in the future in the fight for P5."
PLUS: The three-way scrap that kept everybody guessing in F1 2024
AS: Does it worry you going into next season when you will have to fight them?
NH: "Not worry, but it's a competitive sport and everyone is pushing a lot. The air is very thin like we've seen now. Alpine is back, probably Aston will come back so it's going to be tough and there's work ahead at Sauber no doubt. But lately, it's looked a bit brighter. It looked like the Vegas update for them did something and put them on the right track, in the right direction."
AS: One of your most consistent seasons so far?
NH: "Definitely one of the most consistent. I feel I probably had similarly good seasons in 2017/2018, even going back 2016 - I've had a lot of those seasons I think. Probably it's the one I've enjoyed the most - the highs as well as the lows - enjoyed the challenge, enjoyed being here and it's been very fun."
AS: Kevin [Magnussen], from suck my balls to being friends?
NH: "Hell of a turnaround, but that's life for you! I think our relationship really started in 2022 when I stepped in for Seb [Vettel] in the Aston. Then, from 2023, there was never really any friction. We were really on the same frequency, very similar points in life on the private side but also on the outlook on life and how we have to work for the team, a common interest at heart for the team.
"It's been super enjoyable. I know, from the numbers, it might look like it was a bit one-sided but I never felt that way and I always felt it was small things that made the difference. He's pushed me a lot and I've pushed him and it's been very enjoyable and very good."
