Hulkenberg makes bold F1 battle prediction

Nico Hulkenberg has predicted that the battle for sixth in the F1 constructors' championship will go "down to the wire" in the Abu Dhabi season finale.

Haas jumped back ahead of Alpine in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Hulkenberg's P8 finish moving the American outfit one point clear of the French team in sixth. 

Crucially, Hulkenberg finished ahead of RB's Yuki Tsunoda, with the Faenza-based team being just four points behind Haas. 

The German driver's result in Sin City could, ultimately, secure Haas sixth in the standings, with him recognising how crucial every point now is.

"Yeah, you never know, but every point matters for sure," Hulkenberg told select media including RacingNews365. "For now, just happy that we maximised the opportunity.

"We had the pace, but it was certainly a tough and challenging race with the tyres and with graining. I guess at least everyone in the midfield had the same symptoms and difficulties. 

"But I think we managed it well. Off-set our strategy a bit, we decided to delay the stops, to have fresher tyres at the end. That worked well and paid off."

Abu Dhabi showdown

Hulkenberg is, of course, leaving Haas after the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, to join Stake/Audi. 

Securing Haas a magical sixth in the championship would be the perfect way to depart the midfield outfit for the 37-year-old, who is still enjoying racing for the team. 

He recognises the battle will go down to the Yas Marina Circuit though, with work still needing to be done. 

"I enjoy myself very much in the team, I've said that many times," added Hulkenberg. "Obviously, I want to go out strong.

"I think we've done a really good job over the winter and all this year. I would like, obviously, to celebrate with the team in Abu Dhabi on the Sunday night, but it's two to go. 

"It'll go down to the wire, nobody else is going to hand it to us. We have to earn it and do a good job in the next two races."