How Hülkenberg Kept a Faster Mercedes Behind in Singapore

Nico Hülkenberg combined a strong opening lap with measured defense and help from Liam Lawson’s slipstream to protect eighth place from George Russell.

Nico Hülkenberg did not need the faster car to keep George Russell behind in Singapore. According to Audi racing director Allan McNish, he needed speed in the right places and the judgment to avoid overdefending.

The Audi driver secured eighth, finishing ahead of Russell’s Mercedes after a tense closing battle. Hülkenberg’s explanation centered on finding a better rhythm and moving closer to Liam Lawson ahead, whose slipstream helped him defend.

The opening lap built the opportunity

Hülkenberg qualified 11th and started tenth after Russell’s power-unit penalty moved him up the grid. He then passed Pierre Gasly and Arvid Lindblad on the opening lap, establishing the track position he would later protect.

That early progress put him behind Lawson in the midfield fight. It also gave Audi a points-scoring position before Russell completed his recovery from 19th on the grid.

Hülkenberg’s race-day assessment credited the opening lap with setting up the result. From there, he emphasized tire management and concentration as Russell increased the pressure toward the finish.

Rhythm, slipstream and measured defense

Hülkenberg initially doubted he could hold off the Mercedes. He said his chances improved as he found a stronger rhythm, closed toward Lawson and benefited from the car ahead’s tow.

A tow is the slipstream behind another car. It can reduce aerodynamic drag and help straight-line speed, giving the following driver assistance without requiring an improvement in the car’s underlying pace.

McNish described Russell as “clearly quicker” during their late contest. His praise focused on Hülkenberg’s placement and restraint: defending effectively while preserving enough pace to continue pursuing Lawson.

Russell also acknowledged Hülkenberg’s defense in his post-race comments. The Mercedes driver recovered to ninth but could not take the next position.

Points Audi kept this time

Eighth brought Hülkenberg four Grand Prix points. Combined with two for seventh in the Sprint, Singapore delivered six points across the weekend.

That mattered after Audi’s recent disappointments. McNish contrasted the successful defense with points lost late in Baku and Sepang.

He also identified Singapore as Audi’s first weekend scoring in both the Sprint and Grand Prix. Hülkenberg called the result a reward for the team’s continued work, while stressing how closely matched the midfield remains.

Audi heads toward Austin with points secured through execution, and a clear example of how Hülkenberg’s experience can make the difference under pressure.