Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg can imagine competing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, which he is attending this weekend
Prominent visit to the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring: current Haas and future Sauber/Alfa Romeo driver Nico Hülkenberg is paying a visit to the 52nd edition of the endurance classic in the Eifel. And he can imagine driving the race one day – once his Formula 1 career is over, of course.
“I’m here at the invitation of Ravenol,” says the 36-year-old. Lubricant manufacturer Ravenol has been the main sponsor of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring since 2024 and invited the Formula 1 driver to the race.
“I didn’t want to miss out on the atmosphere here,” continued Hülkenberg. “It’s impressive what’s going on here on the grid. The atmosphere is incredible.”
At the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the starting grid is open to spectators. The scenes are sometimes reminiscent of the Formula 1 race in Monza, when the spectators storm the track after the race. The cars are usually no longer visible because of all the people.
Hülkenberg himself has already driven a Porsche on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. “I’ve only ever driven the Nordschleife privately when I had [my Formula 1] break. I love the race track. In my opinion, it is one of the most challenging and difficult racetracks in the world,” he says of the “Green Hell”.
The 24-hour race is one of the toughest motorsport events of all. “I have the greatest respect for the guys and girls who battle their way through wind and weather, day and night,” says Hülkenberg.
Hand on heart: is a start at the classic an option for the Formula 1 driver? “Never say never,” replies Hülkenberg. “I think that could also be something for me in the future, when the Formula 1 story is over.”
He has already driven a GT3 car when he tested a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 during his Formula 1 break. A start in the 2020 ADAC GT Masters fell through because he took part in the Formula 1 race at Silverstone for Force India as a replacement for Sergio Perez.
In any case, he would have an advocate in main sponsor Ravenol. “It shouldn’t be up to me; if he wants to conquer the Nordschleife at some point, I’ll be there,” says Managing Director Martin Huning.