Hulkenberg rues ‘frustrating end’ in Sochi

Editor

Nico Hulkenberg was disappointed when his 100th F1 grand prix weekend ended at Turn 2 at the Sochi Autodrom.

Having qualified P13 for the Russian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg had hoped to work his way up into the points.

It was not to be.

The Force India driver was hit from behind by Esteban Gutierrez, which pitched him into a spin and into the path of other cars.

“It was a very frustrating end to my weekend,” rued the German driver.

“I got to Turn Two and felt a big shove from behind: Esteban out-braked himself, hit me and spun me around. I was hit by other cars and the damage was too much to even attempt to continue.

“It’s very disappointing and not the way I wanted to celebrate my 100th race weekend.”

Heading to Spain for the start of the European leg of the championship, Hulkenberg is hoping for better results as Force India will be bringing updates for their VJM09.

“Hopefully our luck will change soon as we have been very unlucky lately.

“We should have some upgrades in Spain and I want to be back scoring the points we deserve.”

Gutierrez has apologies for his part in the crash, revealing he was not able to stop having locked his wheels.

“When I approached the first corner I took a lot of margin but I locked my front wheels and I had nowhere to go,” the Haas driver told Autosport.

“I feel very bad. Obviously I damaged a lot of races in front.

“Coming from behind, it’s always tough when you have nowhere to go.

“I tried to do my best to stop and it’s a shame, not only for me but the guys in front as well.”