Hulkenberg explains new Haas 'formula' with 'bittersweet' feelings revealed

Nico Hulkenberg believes Haas' new "formula" has been key to the team's success so far this season, which has seen the outfit settle in seventh in the constructors' championship. 

Haas saw considerable change during the off-season ahead of the current campaign, with notable changes having been made to its technical department and its set-up. 

However, the biggest change was the departure of Guenther Steiner who had been Haas' team principal since the outfit's debut. He was replaced by Ayao Komatsu, who was the team's trackside engineering director. 

Komatsu has installed a new way of working in the team, which has seen the outfit's boss install additional trust in the engineers to hold more responsibility. 

Considerable upgrades have also been introduced across the 14 completed rounds, unlike what has happened at Haas in recent seasons.

Hulkenberg alone has scored 22 points – 17 more than team-mate Kevin Magnussen – whilst Haas sit just seven points off RB who are sixth in the constructors' championship.

The German driver outlined the changes made ahead of the season, leading to the success being enjoyed.

"I think we are just a healthy, efficient, working organisation," Hulkenberg told RacingNews365 and select others. "Obviously, at the end of last year, there were some changes. 

"But what was done, some people left the team, and especially in the technical department, there was some restructuring. Obviously, the team principal changed on top of that early this season.

"We've streamlined everything, and let the people that we have - and we have good people - take responsibility, let them work and deliver. 

"I think that formula has worked quite well so far this year and the performance and the consistency kind of supports that."

Haas exit 'bittersweet'

Of course, despite Haas' new-found success, Hulkenberg is leaving the American-based team after the current campaign. 

The 37-year-old is switching to Stake F1 for next season on a multi-year contract ahead of its rebrand into Audi for 2026 when the new power unit regulations are introduced. 

It is a big moment for the German to be signed by a German manufacturer, with Hulkenberg the first driver Audi has signed before its arrival. 

Whilst he is excited by the challenge ahead with Audi, Hulkenberg has mixed feelings that he will be departing Haas, the team that ultimately saved his F1 career. 

However, as explained by Hulkenberg, there is a "reason" for every decision being made. 

"Most of the time, it feels bittersweet leaving a team, because you build relationships, you like working with the people in most cases," Hulkenberg added. 

"If you had a good time, of course, it's bittersweet. It's obviously about the bigger picture stuff, about the future.

"You change for a reason, there's a strategy behind it and then a reason. That's the way it is."