The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, which starts today, Saturday, June 1, 2024, is attracting numerous celebrities again this year. Among them is Nico Hülkenberg, currently the only German Formula 1 driver. “This is my first time here. Of course I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see the atmosphere here,” said Hülkenberg on the starting grid on Saturday.
“It’s impressive. There’s a bit going on here on the grid, there are a few people here, but the atmosphere is great,” said the 36-year-old, who was impressed by the event. “It’s one of the most demanding and difficult race tracks in the world. I have the utmost respect for the guys who fight their way through here in all weathers, day and night.”
Hülkenberg had to contend with wind and weather on his journey to the Nordschleife himself. The Formula 1 driver flew from Nice to Cologne in a private jet shortly after eight o’clock today. However, the planned journey to the ring by helicopter fell through due to bad weather. Hülkenberg, like many fans, had to fight through a kilometer-long traffic jam.
But apart from possible travel obstacles, what are the chances that Hülkenberg will get behind the wheel of the Eifel classic himself in the future? Hülkenberg’s medium-term future is clear with his Formula 1 switch from Haas to the future Audi factory team Sauber, but what will happen after that?
After all, Hülkenberg already knows the Nordschleife from private test drives. The then Formula 1 rookie completed a test with a Porsche 911 GT3 R back in 2010. Most recently, Hülkenberg is said to have completed a few test laps with a GT3 Lamborghini in 2020. According to information from Motorsport-Magazin.com Hülkenberg had already flirted with a start at the Nürburgring before his Formula 1 career picked up speed again.
“Never say never,” said Hülkenberg, leaving the door open for a future Nordschleife engagement. “I think that could still be something for me in the future, when the Formula 1 story is over.” For now, however, Hülkenberg will continue with just that. While Formula 1 is taking a break this weekend, things will get serious again next weekend. Then the ninth Grand Prix of the 2024 season will take place in Canada.
At the moment, however, the focus is on the 24-hour race. You can find all information about the race and news directly from the track in our live ticker: