Nico Rosberg Praises Hulkenberg's 'Spectacular' Dutch GP Avoidance
During a chaotic start to the Dutch Grand Prix, former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg lauded Nico Hulkenberg's extraordinary quick thinking and evasive action. Hulkenberg, driving for Audi, managed to avert what could have been a catastrophic high-speed crash involving his teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto.
Details of the Dramatic Near-Miss at Zandvoort
The incident unfolded during the initial lap of the Dutch Grand Prix, held at the Zandvoort circuit on August 27, 2026. Although the rain had subsided before the race commenced, certain sections of the track remained treacherous and damp. Red Bull's Max Verstappen initiated the sequence of events by losing control and colliding with the barriers after encountering a wet patch on the banked final corner. Shortly thereafter, Bortoleto experienced a similar loss of traction, resulting in a dramatic 360-degree spin directly in front of his Audi teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.
As Bortoleto’s vehicle spun, a dense cloud of tire smoke enveloped Hulkenberg's vision. However, as the smoke cleared, Hulkenberg was confronted with Bortoleto’s stationary car directly ahead. Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Nico Rosberg highlighted the impressive nature of Hulkenberg's reaction. Rosberg commented, "It just shows how quick those drivers react. Hulkenberg went in; he knew more or less where Bortoleto was, where his trajectory was going. He has a white wall, but then at the last moment sees him and bam, reacts and avoids [a crash]. It was a spectacular reaction from Hulkenberg, so I don't think it was just luck. I think there was also some skill there to avoid that big crash."
Hulkenberg, reflecting on the heart-stopping moment in an interview with Sky Sports Germany, described the experience as "tricky and dicey." He recounted seeing the events unfold "almost in slow motion at that speed." He elaborated on the difficult conditions at Turn 14, which remained "completely wet" and presented a significant challenge on slick tires. Hulkenberg explained his uncertainty about Bortoleto’s trajectory after the spin but emphasized his resolve to "somehow get around this." He added that the presence of debris and smoke from Verstappen's earlier crash further complicated the situation. Hulkenberg’s decisive action involved slowing down and meticulously choosing his path, noting that "A sheet of paper would have fitted between us, but not much more."
Demonstrating remarkable composure and skill, Hulkenberg not only avoided the collision but went on to achieve his best result of the season, finishing eighth and securing four valuable points for the Audi team. Bortoleto, despite his initial spin, successfully recovered to finish in thirteenth position.
This incident vividly underscores the razor-thin margins and instantaneous decision-making required in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Hulkenberg's ability to navigate such a perilous situation with precision and control not only saved his own race but potentially prevented a far more serious multi-car accident. It highlights the blend of innate talent, extensive training, and calm under pressure that defines elite racing drivers. Rosberg's praise is a testament to Hulkenberg's exceptional driving acumen, proving that in motorsport, sometimes the most impressive feats are not about speed, but about avoiding disaster.