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“A shock to the system” – Why teams fear the worst with F1’s 2026 cars at Spa

Feature
Formula 1
Belgian GP
“A shock to the system” – Why teams fear the worst with F1’s 2026 cars at Spa

Red Bull parks 'Macarena' rear wing for Belgian GP after Verstappen crashes

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Red Bull parks 'Macarena' rear wing for Belgian GP after Verstappen crashes

Norris given Belgium GP grid penalty as McLaren takes new Mercedes power unit parts

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Norris given Belgium GP grid penalty as McLaren takes new Mercedes power unit parts

Aston Martin "flat out" on Hungary updates but has concerns over spare parts being ready

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Aston Martin "flat out" on Hungary updates but has concerns over spare parts being ready

Is this the luckiest F1 fan on the planet?

Sponsored
Belgian GP
Is this the luckiest F1 fan on the planet?

Smith becomes latest to top Autosport National Rankings

National
Smith becomes latest to top Autosport National Rankings

Verstappen signs McLaren junior driver van Langendonck

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Verstappen signs McLaren junior driver van Langendonck

Pirelli explains why MotoGP's controversial tyre pressure rule will stay for 2027

MotoGP
German GP
Pirelli explains why MotoGP's controversial tyre pressure rule will stay for 2027

Paul, looking back on Bahrain you must be pretty satisfied with the weekend as a whole...

I think when you have a result like that you feel very proud of everyone in the team. Everybody stepped up and helped deliver the performance. The strategy was a bold one, but it was the right one and gave us one of our best results in the last couple of years.

Did the test in Mugello help your preparations for Barcelona?

We didn't do a massive number of laps but it was a chance to start evaluating some of our car developments. There's still plenty of work to do in free practice to get on top of the car, but we've already done the basic checks.

Are you looking forward to getting back to racing in Europe?

I probably know Barcelona better than any other track on the calendar. We did two tests there in the winter and I had four days in the car so I already feel quite well prepared, but it's the same for everyone. I expect the field to be incredibly close once again.

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico, the start of the European season is upon us. Are you looking forward to racing in Barcelona?

It's a track I enjoy and where I've been successful in the past. It's high-speed, there are lots of right hand corners and it's quite tough physically, especially on your neck. As a city I enjoy being in Barcelona because it's a great place with a nice atmosphere. Also, the stands are always full on race day because the Spanish fans love Formula One.

What are the main challenges of the lap?

The first sector through turns one, two and three is tricky and you need to treat them as one corner. A mistake in one or two will hurt you through three and cost your laptime. It feels great when you get them just right. Also, the final sector is quite technical: it's slow and twisty, especially the last chicane and it's easy to drop time at the end of the lap.

How are you feeling about the 2012 season after four races?

I feel very comfortable in the team and I'm enjoying the season. A few of the races haven't worked out for me, but I'm looking forward not backwards and determined to get some great results for the team. I'm working well with my car crew, we are pushing hard and we will try our best to get back in the points this weekend.

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