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Aston Martin F1 team reserve Nico Hulkenberg anticipates a three-way battle between Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari in the second half of the 2022 season. The German driver believes teams likes McLaren and Alpine could make the mid-field battle interesting post the summer break.
At the moment, Red Bull (431) lead Ferrari (334) by almost 100 points in the constructor standings. Alpine (99) and McLaren (95) are respectively fourth and fifth in the standings, trailing third-placed Mercedes (304) by more than 200 points.
In his blog 'The Hulk Report', Hulkenberg said:
“I am sure that the field will be even closer for the rest of the season. Mercedes is working hard – and successfully – to reduce the lead of Ferrari and Red Bull. At Silverstone, the team was close to its first victory, and in France, Mercedes scored its first double podium this year. In the second half of the season, we can expect some exciting three-way battles between those top teams.”
Expecting Red Bull and Ferrari’s lead in the standings to be cut down, the former F1 driver believes Mercedes’ resurgence could make for an interesting three-way battle. Hulkenberg feels the midfield could also feature some engrossing skirmishes between teams like Alpine and McLaren, and his own team - Aston Martin - who are planning a massive upgrade of their car.
Predicting the battles in the rest of the field, Hulkenberg said:
“McLaren and Alpine are behind them on a very similar level, fighting for fourth place in the Constructors' Championship. The other teams, including AMF1, will also bring updates over the rest of the year that promise exciting battles for the remaining points.”
Nico Hulkenberg is one of two drivers yet to open their account this season.
Nico Hulkenberg praises improved racing in F1
Praising the improved racing on display this season, Hulkenberg noted in his half-season report that the effect of the tow has reduced in the new cars. The German feels the on-track duels have also become more entertaining, as was evident in Silverstone and Austria.
Impressed with the improved action on the track in 2022, the German driver said:
“The racing and the battles on track have become much more gripping than in previous seasons. While there is less tow effect with these new cars, following the driver in front is much easier and makes for great racing."
Citing a few examples of exciting on-track battles (Austria and Silverstone), Hulkenberg said:
"The recent five-way battle in Austria between the Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes drivers, or the sensational final laps for the podium at Silverstone, give an idea of what is now possible on the track between these brilliant teams.”
Hoping for more thrilling on-track battles in the remainder of the season, the former F1 driver feels Silverstone and Austria could be a precursor of of more to come. Hulkenberg also recently completed a successful test run for his own team Aston Martin, who will be featuring an improved car for the realigning season post summer-break.
