Nico Hülkenberg will contest his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi – an anniversary that the German himself never planned for.
Nico Hülkenberg himself would never have imagined that he would one day compete in his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix. For him, this anniversary at the final race in Abu Dhabi is confirmation of a career that has rarely been linear.
Between breaks, comebacks, and last-minute appearances, the German has nevertheless become one of the most consistent faces in the premier class over the years. He is celebrating the milestone of 250 races with his usual calmness.
When asked about his memories of his debut in Bahrain in 2010, Hülkenberg has to smile. “They’re not great, just fragments,” he says. Individual scenes are still there, but no clear memories. For him, it’s the moment that counts anyway. “It’s a nice anniversary, a nice achievement for me personally, for my career. I’m happy to still be here, living my dream and enjoying it.”
The “Gladiator” helmet: a symbol of fighting spirit
His career provides plenty of material for this moment: his Williams debut, the sensational pole position at Interlagos in 2010, strong years at Force India, his time at Renault, his departure after 2019, and the spectacular “super sub” appearances between 2020 and 2022, which ultimately led to his full-time comeback at Haas in 2023.
For his 250th race, the last with Sauber before Audi takes over, Hülkenberg is wearing a helmet with the word “Gladiator” on it. The design was not chosen at random.
“It kind of represents what you need in this sport: resilience, fighting spirit, endurance. All the qualities you need to survive in this industry for so long,” he explains. A fitting motto for someone who never gave up, even when his career took a surprising turn.
A career without a fixed plan, yet 250 races
Did he ever believe he would reach 250 Grands Prix one day? Hülkenberg waves it off: “To be honest, it wasn’t something I actively thought about.” The German describes his career path as a kind of continuous flow. “I was there from 2010, then out for a year in 2011 and back again. It was a steady ride and quite comfortable and secure. At the end of 2019, or rather throughout 2019, I needed and wanted a break. Again, I didn’t think too much about the future,“ Hülkenberg recalls.
His return to the premier class as a regular driver in 2023 was therefore not planned either: ”It just developed and somehow happened.”
The 38-year-old continues to trust in this approach. Hülkenberg remains true to himself when asked whether he—now a family man—is already thinking about life after Formula 1. His answer is short and clear: “No, I’m not.”
