Haas F1 Driver Nico Hulkenberg Sets Formula 1 Record for Futility

Haas F1 Team driver Nico Hulkenberg has had a quietly effective season in Formula 1, regularly extracting the maximum from Haas’ VF-24, to leave Haas in a comfortable position in the fight among the second group of teams.

But Hulkenberg’s longevity combined with his lack of success means he now holds a new Formula 1 record: contesting the most Grands Prix without a victory.

The 36-year-old Hulkenberg’s Miami appearance was his 209th Formula 1 start, taking him beyond previous record holder Andrea de Cesaris, who started 208 races between 1980 and 1994. Hulkenberg finished 11th at Miami. His best finish in 2024 so far is ninth at Melbourne.

De Cesaris at least managed five podiums during his career, with veteran Hulkenberg still pursuing his maiden top-three finish in Formula 1. Hulkenberg began his F1 career in 2010.

There will be plenty of time for Hulkenberg to remedy his statistics, following the recent news of his multi-year move to the Sauber/Audi project, or more likely just add a larger number to a slightly inglorious pair of records.