In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, moments of strategic brilliance and exceptional driving often define a race. The Singapore Grand Prix, renowned for its challenging street circuit and demanding conditions, provided such a spectacle as Nico Hulkenberg delivered a masterclass in defensive driving. Piloting his Haas, a car not typically expected to contend with the front-runners, Hulkenberg successfully fended off the relentless pressure from Sergio Perez in the much faster Red Bull. This was not the first time the German driver had outmaneuvered his former teammate; a similar cunning move at the Austrian Grand Prix earlier in the season also saw Hulkenberg emerge victorious against Perez.
The Singapore encounter, however, was a far more protracted and intense affair. Over a grueling 32 laps following his sole pit stop, Hulkenberg was forced to absorb wave after wave of attacks from the Red Bull. The sheer tenacity required to keep such a potent rival at bay on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult underscored Hulkenberg’s skill and strategic acumen. “It was very stressful keeping the Red Bull behind for the whole of the second stint,” Hulkenberg admitted after the race, highlighting the immense physical and mental toll of his defensive battle. This article delves into the intricate radio communications and strategic decisions that allowed Hulkenberg to pull off one of the most remarkable performances of the season.
Nico Hulkenberg’s Singapore Grand Prix Radio: A Strategic Masterclass
Jump to:
“We’ll try and extend a bit” – The Opening Gambit
“Are we gapping the people?” – Managing the Early Threat
“You have cleared Stroll now” – Navigating the Mid-Field Pack
“He’s going to lose like two seconds with Leclerc” – Pit Stop Predictions
“Let’s not get undercut” – The Critical Pit Stop
“I need some stuff, man, come on” – Post-Pit Stop Scramble
“You’re quicker than Perez is everywhere” – The Defensive Hold
“Those shitty brakes” – Battling Car Limitations
“Perez’s picked up his pace behind” – The Late Race Charge
“Norris isn’t catching that quickly” – Managing Blue Flags
“Perfect drive” – The Sweet Victory
“We’ll try and extend a bit” – The Opening Gambit
Nico Hulkenberg started the Singapore Grand Prix from an impressive sixth position, showcasing the Haas team’s strong qualifying pace. At the race start, he briefly capitalized on this, moving up to fifth by passing Oscar Piastri. However, the McLaren driver quickly reasserted his superior pace, reclaiming the position at turn seven of the opening lap. Despite this minor setback, Hulkenberg soon found himself with the crucial advantage of clear air ahead, a significant benefit on a track known for its dirty air and limited overtaking opportunities. This early track position was vital for managing his tires and executing his strategy.
As the initial laps unfolded, Hulkenberg’s focus quickly turned to the cars behind him. The challenging nature of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with its high temperatures and numerous braking zones, places immense stress on the car’s components, especially the tires and brakes. Managing these elements strategically from the outset was paramount. His engineer, Gary Gannon, began relaying critical information regarding tire temperatures and the necessity of lift-and-coast techniques to conserve energy and manage the rear tires, which were showing signs of surface overheating. The directive to “extend a bit” indicated a clear intention from Haas to run a longer first stint on the medium tires, hoping to capitalize on potential safety cars or tire degradation from competitors.
Hulkenberg, an experienced and analytical driver, immediately provided feedback on the car’s balance, noting “a bit too much [front wing] flap now.” This demonstrated his keen understanding of how even minor aerodynamic adjustments impact tire wear and overall performance on a demanding circuit. Gannon acknowledged this, cross-referencing it with the struggles of other drivers, like Lance Stroll and teammate Kevin Magnussen, on the hard compound tires. The strategy was clear: conserve tires, maintain pace, and look for opportunities to extend the stint, especially if competitors were facing similar or worse degradation issues on different compounds. This early dialogue set the stage for a race where strategic communication and driver feel would be key to success.
| Lap: 4/62 HUL: 1’39.510 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | So Alonso behind, right? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Correct, Alonso. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 6/62 HUL: 1’38.903 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Temps are all good at this lift-and-coast. Surface overheating on the rear is starting to increase. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 8/62 HUL: 1’38.821 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Nico, Colapinto is in nine, Tsunoda 11, so they have a gap to us. So we’ll try and extend a bit, extend. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 9/62 HUL: 1’38.404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | A bit too much [front wing] flap now. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Okay, understood. Stroll and Kevin are struggling a bit on hard. So go longer on this one if we can. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Are we gapping the people?” – Managing the Early Threat
While Nico Hulkenberg found Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc lurking close behind him, the Haas pit wall was also strategically monitoring further threats, particularly from Sergio Perez and Franco Colapinto. This multi-faceted approach to threat assessment is crucial in Formula 1, especially on a street circuit where a small mistake can lead to a significant loss of time or position. Hulkenberg’s intermittent reports of “Brakes hot” underscored the immense strain on the car, with Gannon advising an increase in lift-and-coast to mitigate the issue and manage brake temperatures that were at the “top of the working range.”
The early laps were a delicate balancing act of pushing the car to maintain pace while preserving its components. Gannon reassured Hulkenberg that the rear tire temperatures were stabilizing, indicating that the initial stress was subsiding. This continuous flow of information built confidence and allowed Hulkenberg to push when necessary. As the race progressed, the team’s focus remained on extending the first stint. The retirement of Alex Albon provided a momentary easing of pressure regarding cars behind, allowing Haas to consolidate their strategy.
Hulkenberg’s question, “Are we gapping the people?” revealed his sharp strategic mind and desire to understand the race’s evolving dynamics. He wasn’t content to simply drive; he wanted to know if his current pace was creating a sufficient buffer to cars that had already pitted or were expected to. This proactive engagement with his engineer demonstrated his commitment to optimizing every aspect of his race. The team’s response, confirming that his pace and degradation were good and that they were “clearing the slow cars,” affirmed their shared understanding of the race situation. Haas also discussed potential adjustments to the front wing angle for the hard tires, anticipating that the harder compound might be more front-limited, ensuring the car would be balanced for the second stint.
| Lap: 11/62 HUL: 1’38.688 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Brakes hot. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | They are at the top of the working range. Increasing lift-and-coast will help. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 12/62 HUL: 1’38.887 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Rear tyre temps have peaked. They’re coming down now. The rear will get better. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | It’s all going well, Nico. We’ll go as long as we can. Good job. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 15/62 HUL: 1’38.799 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Nico, watch 13 traction please. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Sainz and Albon have boxed already. We’re just monitoring the gaps behind. But you’re doing good. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 16/62 HUL: 1’39.054 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | How are the tyres, Nico? How are the tyres? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Yeah, they’re stable. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | All good from our side, too. Leclerc is threatening Alonso now. Safety Car and VSC windows are open. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 17/62 HUL: 1’38.771 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Nico, we still think the hard might be front-limited, so we’ll still add a bit [of front wing angle] on the hard. It will have less overheating too. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 18/62 HUL: 1’38.858 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Okay. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | How’s the tyre, Nico? Still okay? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Yeah, at this pace. This is the pace we can do. Not sure we should dump some aero balance. Are we gapping the people? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 19/62 HUL: 1’39.143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Albon retired. So we’re not worried about the gaps behind right now. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | This pace and deg is good and we are clearing the slow cars. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“You have cleared Stroll now” – Navigating the Mid-Field Pack
As Nico Hulkenberg continued to meticulously execute his strategy, extending his lead over cars further behind him, the dynamics ahead began to shift. Fernando Alonso, initially a buffer, lost a position to Charles Leclerc. This development placed the Ferrari directly behind Hulkenberg, presenting a new and more potent threat to his track position. The commentary from his engineer, “Leclerc behind now,” served as a crucial heads-up, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of the race and the need for constant adaptation.
The Haas team was working diligently to ensure Hulkenberg was strategically positioned to minimize losses during his eventual pit stop and to maximize gains from those around him. Their communication regarding “clearing Stroll” on the hard compound tires highlighted the importance of creating clean air and space to operate, allowing Hulkenberg to maintain a strong, consistent pace without being hindered by slower traffic. On a circuit like Singapore, where track position is king and clean air can shave crucial tenths off lap times, these small victories in managing the traffic were instrumental. Hulkenberg’s insistence on trusting his feel for the aero balance over initial recommendations underscored his experience and finely tuned instincts, which were proving invaluable in the demanding conditions. The sustained pace and the ability to comfortably clear other competitors signaled a well-managed first stint and laid the groundwork for the pivotal battle to come.
| Lap: 21/62 HUL: 1’39.250 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | I think maybe just leave aero balance as it is. It’ll pick up. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Copy that, Nico. Hard will be more front-limited, so that’s good. We’ll leave it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 22/62 HUL: 1’39.128 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | We’re close to clearing Stroll on the race start hard, so that’s good, pace is good. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 23/62 HUL: 1’39.465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Okay, Nico, watch the combined exit turn eight, turn 13. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 24/62 HUL: 1’39.268 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Pace is very good and you have cleared Stroll now. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 25/62 HUL: 1’39.691 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Leclerc passes Alonso Okay Leclerc behind now. |
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“He’s going to lose like two seconds with Leclerc” – Pit Stop Predictions
The strategic chess game intensified when Aston Martin reacted to the shifting positions by bringing Fernando Alonso into the pits. This move, designed to potentially ‘undercut’ the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, was keenly observed by Nico Hulkenberg and his Haas team. Hulkenberg, ever the astute strategist, immediately recognized the potential pitfalls of Alonso’s move. He shrewdly pointed out that Alonso, while attempting to gain time, was likely to encounter traffic and subsequently lose valuable seconds when Leclerc, on newer tires, eventually caught up and re-passed him. This insight showcased Hulkenberg’s deep understanding of race dynamics and how the nuances of pit stop timing, traffic management, and tire advantage could play out over multiple laps.
The conversation also revealed Hulkenberg’s growing concern about his own tire degradation, specifically his “rears struggling more and more.” This direct feedback was vital for the team to assess the optimal pit window. Haas’s response, confirming they saw the data, ensured that driver feel and telemetry were aligned. The team continued to monitor Alonso’s progress, noting that he was stuck in a group behind Kevin Magnussen, who was on a slower pace. This further validated Hulkenberg’s prediction about Alonso’s traffic issues, reinforcing the strategic advantage of waiting for the right moment to pit rather than reacting prematurely. The race was now entering its most critical phase, where every decision about tire management, pit timing, and traffic navigation would have significant consequences.
| Lap: 26/62 HUL: 1’39.569 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Okay Nico… | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Did Alonso pit? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Alonso boxed, yeah, he boxed. We’re just monitoring, he’s boxed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Alonso’s going to run into huge traffic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Still think [unclear] lap? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Yeah. Yeah. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Okay. My rears are also struggling more and more, just FYI. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Yeah, copy that, we see it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 27/62 HUL: 1’39.773 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Alonso’s in the group behind Kevin. Kevin’s doing 40.5, so we will eventually clear Kevin if we can go a few more laps. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | So he’s going to lose like two seconds with Leclerc when he comes through | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Yeah understood there. We’ll still be able to clear Kevin, we hope. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Let’s not get undercut” – The Critical Pit Stop
The tension in the Haas garage was palpable as the pit window approached, and the battle for track position reached a fever pitch. Nico Hulkenberg’s insistent plea, “Let’s not get undercut by these guys,” particularly referring to Sergio Perez who was now firmly in his mirrors, highlighted the critical nature of their pit stop timing. On a circuit where the undercut can be incredibly powerful – allowing a car on fresh tires to gain significant time on a car still circulating on older tires – reacting decisively was paramount. Perez, in the much faster Red Bull, was a constant threat, and Haas understood that any strategic misstep could cost Hulkenberg dearly.
The team’s communications were crisp and focused. Gannon confirmed they were still at “zero on flap,” indicating the current aerodynamic setup, and reassured Hulkenberg that they were monitoring the situation. Hulkenberg’s probing question, “But if we’re gapping them, are you going to sit it out?” underscored his desire for clear guidance and his strategic involvement in the decision-making process. The moment Perez ducked into the pits, Haas’s decision was instant and unwavering: “No, we’re good now. Box now, Nico, box now.” This immediate reaction was a testament to their readiness and precision, ensuring Hulkenberg could come out of the pits still ahead of the Red Bull, thus preserving his hard-earned track position. This quick, perfectly executed response to Perez’s move was a pivotal moment, setting the stage for the intense defensive battle that would dominate the remainder of the race.
| Lap: 29/62 HUL: 1’48.550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | All okay, all okay, still opening a gap. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Moving behind, who is that? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Colapinto. Similar pace. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Let’s not get undercut by these guys. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Copy that. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | We’re still zero on flap, Nico. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Yeah. Do you see data? You see what’s going on? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Yes, copy that. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | But if we’re gapping them, are you going to sit it out? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | No, we’re good now. Box now, Nico, box now. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“I need some stuff, man, come on” – Post-Pit Stop Scramble
Emerging from the pits on fresh hard tires, Nico Hulkenberg immediately found himself in a frantic post-pit stop scramble. Briefly falling behind Pierre Gasly, he had to quickly dispatch the Alpine driver to minimize time loss and consolidate his position ahead of Sergio Perez. The urgency in Hulkenberg’s voice, “Come on!”, as he battled Gasly, underscored the razor-thin margins and the critical importance of every second on track. Successfully passing Gasly, a crucial hurdle cleared, his engineer Gannon emphatically stated, “Good job, Nico. 32 to go, Nico, bring it home,” signaling the start of the long, arduous defensive stint.
Once back in clear air and with Gasly behind him, Hulkenberg’s focus immediately shifted to his primary rival: Sergio Perez. His direct and urgent query, “…Colapinto, you know what is going on with Perez’s tyres? I need some stuff, man, come on,” demonstrated his relentless drive for information and strategic awareness. He needed every detail to prepare for the inevitable onslaught from the Red Bull. Gannon provided the crucial intel: Perez was on new tires, just like Hulkenberg, having pitted one lap earlier. Crucially, Gannon also reminded Hulkenberg that “In the first stint you were quicker than Perez,” a potent psychological boost and a reminder of his demonstrated pace advantage despite the car disparity. This constant exchange of information was vital for Hulkenberg to understand the threats, manage his own race, and maintain the mental fortitude required for the lengthy defensive battle ahead.
| Lap: 30/62 HUL: 2’01.641 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Okay. Colapinto boxed as well. Remember Mode RS. Just have Gasly to deal with. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Gasly close on exit. Gasly’s slow, old tyre. Perez and Colapinto new tyre behind. Mode F1 when you can. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Hulkenberg tries to pass Gasly on the outside of turn seven but is forced wide Come on! |
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| Gannon | Hulkenberg passes Gasly into turn 14 Good job, Nico. 32 to go, Nico, bring it home. |
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| Lap: 31/62 HUL: 1’38.546 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | …Colapinto, you know what is going on with Perez’s tyres? I need some stuff, man, come on. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | New tyre, same as you, pitted one lap earlier. Colapinto same lap as you. In the first stint you were quicker than Perez. Colapinto’s still behind Gasly. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 32/62 HUL: 1’38.385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Fernando is behind us somewhere or what? Fernando eight ahead, he pitted like seven laps earlier than you. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“You’re quicker than Perez is everywhere” – The Defensive Hold
This statement from Gary Gannon, “You’re quicker than Perez is everywhere. He’s only keeping up when he has DRS,” was a profound insight into Nico Hulkenberg’s exceptional performance and the underlying dynamics of the battle. Despite driving a Haas against a Red Bull, Hulkenberg’s raw pace and precise driving in the non-DRS zones were superior. This meant Perez was heavily reliant on the Drag Reduction System to negate the Haas’s advantage, and even then, he seldom looked quick enough to launch a genuine overtaking attempt.
Singapore, with its tight corners and limited straights, makes DRS less effective for easy overtakes compared to high-speed tracks. Hulkenberg’s ability to maximize grip and cornering speed, while meticulously managing his tires, allowed him to build enough of a gap in the technical sections to prevent Perez from getting a clean run into the braking zones. This sustained defensive hold was a testament to his experience and the car’s setup, which appeared to be remarkably suited to the unique demands of the street circuit. Gannon’s continuous reassurance, “Your pace is good. You’re quicker than Alonso,” further bolstered Hulkenberg’s confidence, indicating that he was not just holding off Perez but also performing strongly against other formidable competitors on the track. This strategic communication was crucial in maintaining Hulkenberg’s composure and focus during a prolonged, high-pressure battle. He was not just surviving; he was actively managing the gap and proving that, on this day, his pace was genuinely competitive.
| Lap: 33/62 HUL: 1’37.800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | You’re quicker than Perez is everywhere. He’s only keeping up when he has DRS. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 34/62 HUL: 1’38.002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Your pace is good. You’re quicker than Alonso. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 35/62 HUL: 1’37.470 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Tyres looking good. You’re quicker than Alonso and Sainz ahead. Alonso is six ahead, Sainz nine ahead, so you’re just closing up to them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 36/62 HUL: 1’37.827 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Currently P9. So Sainz and Alonso will be in play at the end of the race. So we’ll just keep going like this. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Leclerc is boxing on the hard, he’ll be close at the exit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Those shitty brakes” – Battling Car Limitations
While battling Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg’s greatest underlying concern in the latter half of the race was the performance of his brakes. On a circuit like Singapore, which features 23 corners and numerous heavy braking zones, the brakes are arguably the single most critical component after the engine. Continuous heavy use generates immense heat, leading to fade and reduced stopping power. Hulkenberg’s frustrated comment, “Oh man, those shitty brakes we have. The medium pressure brakes,” vividly conveyed the struggle he was facing.
This wasn’t just a casual complaint; it was a critical piece of feedback that informed the team about the car’s limitations and how it impacted his driving. His engineer, Gannon, responded by suggesting a small adjustment to the brake balance, moving it “half a percent rearward,” typically done to combat front locking under heavy braking. However, Hulkenberg, trusting his innate feel for the car, quickly disagreed: “I don’t agree with the rearwards braking… Sliding the rear more.” This exchange highlighted the fine line between engineering data and driver intuition, especially under race conditions. Hulkenberg’s deep understanding of the car meant he knew precisely how a slight adjustment could impact the rear stability, which was crucial for confidence in braking and turn-in. Gannon, respecting his driver’s judgment, conceded, “Copy that Nico, go with your feeling. That was just for front locking, go with your feeling.” This flexibility and trust within the team were instrumental in allowing Hulkenberg to extract maximum performance despite the car’s inherent weaknesses. Even with these braking issues, his lap times remained competitive, further solidifying his impressive drive.
| Lap: 38/62 HUL: 1’37.941 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Brake balance half a percent rearward. Tyres are looking good. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | What’s the delta in tyre age, Alonso and us? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Alonso is five laps older. Five laps older. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 39/62 HUL: 1’37.811 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Oh man, those shitty brakes we have. The medium pressure brakes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Yeah. Copy that, Nico. Still very good lap time. Alonso’s doing 38.4. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 40/62 HUL: 1’37.919 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | 22 laps to go at the line. Leclerc overtook Alonso. Alonso 4.2 ahead. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 41/62 HUL: 1’37.994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Brake balance half percent rearward. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Press oil pump button. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 42/62 HUL: 1’37.911 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Nico, the tyres are looking good at this pace, you’re protecting them well. Perez may be picking up the pace. Alonso 38.3 still closing on him. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | I don’t agree with the rearwards braking [unclear] the medium brakes. Sliding the rear more. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Copy that Nico, go with your feeling. That was just for front locking, go with your feeling. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Perez’s picked up his pace behind” – The Late Race Charge
As the Singapore Grand Prix entered its final stages, Sergio Perez launched a determined last-ditch effort to challenge Nico Hulkenberg. Gannon’s alert, “You can see Perez’s picked up his pace behind,” signaled a fresh wave of pressure for the Haas driver. The relentless Red Bull was now visibly closing the gap, intensifying the psychological and physical strain on Hulkenberg.
Hulkenberg’s immediate feedback, “Ah it’s difficult in his wake now. Starting to feel it,” perfectly encapsulated the challenge of defending against a faster car in dirty air. Running close behind another car significantly impacts downforce and tire grip, making precise driving even harder. What made this battle particularly compelling was Gannon’s revelation: “Copy that. Perez has same complaint behind you.” This indicated that while Perez was pushing, he too was struggling with the aerodynamic turbulence created by Hulkenberg’s Haas, making his overtaking attempts equally challenging despite his car’s superior raw pace.
The strategic stalemate continued. Hulkenberg, through disciplined driving and astute tire management, ensured that Perez could seldom get close enough to effectively utilize DRS for an overtake. While Perez remained within striking distance, the combination of Hulkenberg’s defensive lines, the narrow nature of the Singapore circuit, and the disruptive dirty air meant the Red Bull driver was unable to make a decisive move. Gannon’s continued reassurance about Hulkenberg’s tire condition, “The tyres are looking very good, Nico, very good,” was crucial, confirming that despite the immense pressure, the Haas’s tires were holding up, allowing Hulkenberg to maintain his defensive masterpiece until the very end.
| Lap: 44/62 HUL: 1’37.795 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | You can see Perez’s picked up his pace behind. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 45/62 HUL: 1’37.714 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hulkenberg | Ah it’s difficult in his wake now. Starting to feel it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Copy that. Perez has same complaint behind you. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 46/62 HUL: 1’37.919 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | The tyres are looking very good, Nico, very good. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 47/62 HUL: 1’37.743 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | All temperatures are good. So lift-and-coast just whatever you need for you. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 50/62 HUL: 1’38.705 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Kevin is slow with a puncture. Kevin slow into 14. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 54/62 HUL: 1’38.051 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Eight to go at the line. P9. Good job. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Norris isn’t catching that quickly” – Managing Blue Flags
In the tense closing laps of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Hulkenberg-Perez duel faced an additional layer of complexity: blue flags. As the race leaders began to lap the field, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez found themselves needing to manage the approaching faster cars without compromising their own hard-fought battle for position. Gannon’s regular updates, “Six to go. Perez will have the blue first,” and “Norris blue in one or two laps,” were crucial for Hulkenberg to anticipate and strategically navigate these situations.
Managing blue flags on a street circuit like Singapore is incredibly difficult. Drivers must yield to the faster cars safely and promptly, but doing so too aggressively can allow a trailing rival to capitalize. Hulkenberg’s skill here was evident in how he managed to concede track to Lando Norris without giving Perez an easy opportunity to pass. The communication from Gannon, “Norris isn’t catching that quickly,” provided a brief moment of relief, suggesting Hulkenberg had a small buffer to position himself optimally before yielding. When Norris eventually caught up, Hulkenberg meticulously let the McLaren past between turns seven and eight, a section of the track that allowed him to minimize his own time loss and keep Perez firmly behind him. This intelligent management of blue flags showcased Hulkenberg’s race craft and strategic awareness, ensuring that the leading cars passing by did not disrupt his defensive masterpiece.
| Lap: 57/62 HUL: 1’38.109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Six to go. Perez will have the blue first. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Five to go at the line. Norris blue in one or two laps. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 58/62 HUL: 1’38.075 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Four to go. Norris isn’t catching that quickly. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 59/62 HUL: 1’37.915 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Okay, Perez had the blue. So now Norris 2.7 behind, leader, he’ll be a blue next lap. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Break balance half a percent reawward if you want for front lock. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 60/62 HUL: 1’40.502 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Blue flag Norris, blue flag Norris, Perez, three behind Norris. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Hulkenberg lets Norris past between turns seven and eight Perez three behind. |
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| Gannon | It will be one lap to go at the line. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lap: 61/62 HUL: 1’38.723 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gannon | Starting last lap here, Perez two behind. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“Perfect drive” – The Sweet Victory
After a grueling race and a monumental defensive effort, Nico Hulkenberg triumphantly brought his Haas across the finish line in ninth place. The relief and pride from his engineer, Gary Gannon, were palpable over the radio: “Chequered flag Nico, chequered flag, charge on. That’s P9 Nico, outstanding drive, perfect drive.” It was a testament to a performance that exceeded all expectations for a midfield car, especially in fending off a Red Bull for such a significant portion of the race. The effort to manage the tires and maintain pace on such a challenging circuit was immense, as Gannon reiterated, “Oh boy. I guess nobody said it was easy. Oh, fuck me. That was hard to bring that tyre home.”
Gannon’s subsequent messages further underscored the magnitude of Hulkenberg’s achievement: “Yeah, amazing Nico, you were pulling away from Perez. Great drive. No Safety Cars. Unbelievable. So great job, man, P9.” The absence of any safety cars meant Hulkenberg’s tire management and defensive driving were tested to their absolute limits without any opportune resets. This P9 finish earned valuable points for Haas and marked a significant highlight in Hulkenberg’s career, demonstrating his enduring skill and strategic intelligence.
However, even in victory, Hulkenberg’s competitive spirit shone through. While satisfied with beating Perez, he expressed a lingering thought about Fernando Alonso’s eventual P8 finish: “Yeah, but I guess, I don’t know, the undercut from Alonso is not ideal. Five laps in clean air is probably possible.” This showed his constant quest for perfection and his analysis of what could have been. Gannon quickly wrapped up the debrief, acknowledging his point but reaffirming the brilliance of his drive: “Yeah copy that. One Safety Car would have ruined it. Anyway, your drive was perfect. Thank you.” Hulkenberg’s performance at the Singapore Grand Prix was a true masterclass in F1 strategy, tire preservation, and defensive driving, proving once again that even in an underdog car, exceptional talent can defy the odds.