Nico Hulkenberg reveals ‘new boots’ behind shock Lewis Hamilton upset

Nico Hulkenberg has explained how a set of "new boots" was key in his shock overtake on Lewis Hamilton in the Spanish Grand Prix as he finished fifth. 

Hulkenberg was eliminated in Q1 in Barcelona, and after Lance Stroll's withdrawal, started 15th, and was inside the top 10 after a strong opening lap. 

Flirting on the edge of the points for the whole race, the German was able to use the bounty of fresh tyres he saved by falling in Q1, to maintain his position, with a brand-new set of soft tyres being bolted on for the run to the flag after the late safety car.

During this charge, Hulkenberg passed the works Ferrari of Hamilton for sixth on the road, which became fifth after Max Verstappen's penalty. 

On a weekend it brought major upgrades, it is the best-ever result for Stake, the best for the Hinwil team since Valtteri Bottas's fifth-place in the 2022 Emilia Romagna GP when it was Alfa Romeo, and the best for Hulkenberg since a fifth for Renault at the 2019 Italian GP.

Reflecting, the German felt the number of fresh, new tyres he had was key to overtaking Hamilton. 

"It was a great race, and one of those where everything seems to click and work out, it was beautiful," Hulkenberg told media, including RacingNews365. 

"It doesn't happen that often, unfortunately, but it did, and having all these new tyres being out in Q1 was actually really useful and helpful. 

"On the other hand, from P15 to have the start on lap one put us in a good position for a good result, and then the late safety car and having another set of softs helped us, so we will take it but it shows that bringing upgrades and performances, you can help yourself.

"We can only dream of P5 in normal circumstances.

"Hamilton only had softs left, and even though he is in a Ferrari, with how powerful new tyres are, he was just sliding around a lot. 

"I had new boots which made all the difference."