{"id":1866524,"date":"2026-04-04T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1866524"},"modified":"2026-04-04T10:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:30:00","slug":"f1-veteran-brands-energy-management-fun-but-weird-and-frustrating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1866524","title":{"rendered":"F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Nico Hulkenberg is split on Formula 1&#8217;s energy management challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall , Adam Cooper<\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-04T11:30:00+01:00\">04 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Hulkenberg, Audi, Start, F1, Japan, 2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Hulkenberg conceded to being conflicted about the extreme energy management required in Formula 1, describing it as both \u201cfun\u201d and \u201cfrustrating\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Energy management has become a hot topic in F1 this season, with the ability to overtake and defend both heavily affected by the efficiency of battery harvesting and deployment.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both compared the racing to \u201cMario Kart\u201d, with the latter comparing Overtake Mode\u201d to the mushrooms that give a speed boost on the video game.<\/p>\n<p>Having spent the Japanese Grand Prix battling on the verge of the points, Hulkenberg said: \u201cWith the energy stuff, in a way, it\u2019s interesting and fun, but at the same time, it\u2019s also weird and frustrating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do the move, but you\u2019re just; you really have to pick your fights, and it\u2019s so easy to overspend and get a big de-rate and be a sitting duck. Sometimes, the closing speeds are really immense. So I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe race was probably entertaining on TV, there was probably lots going on, but it\u2019s different.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Nico Hulkenberg: Dropped points \u201cdisappointing and frustrating\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Three races into the campaign, Hulkenberg is still looking for his first point of the season, but has finished one place shy of the top 10 in each of the last two races \u2013 this following a did not start outcome in Australia.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-286aad5ef53c9ae775c4d0406901f75b5cbaf577004e7cf8e3d39cd09e39fcfc\">  Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?   Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Over a single lap, Audi has shown strong pace, with Gabriel Bortoleto twice breaking into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p>After a poor start from 13th place at Suzuka, Hulkenberg commented: \u201cI think with a regular start, there were obviously points on the table, which is disappointing and frustrating, so we need to get on top of that. It\u2019s a work in progress and more work on that side, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As for whether an issue with the power unit was behind the difficulty, he added: \u201cI don\u2019t know. I know I had a poor start, but I don\u2019t know the particulars, the ins and outs. I need to have a look and speak with the engineers, but it\u2019s obviously a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-48b4b628ac77bea5ea09ac3aeaa30692374ac0b2ea83ba20a7853ea019cd1e69\">  Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed   Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Audi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Nico Hulkenberg<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> \u201cDon\u2019t feel sorry for me\u201d: Max Verstappen talks F1 career dilemma<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290590_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why Oscar Piastri believes Mercedes is beatable in F1 2026<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404161_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-526d86c8d79c0707eae376f4ea8aac234980a3de6ca3f637a287a87f1f43b710\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-a2baadfd002efc2ab3939ccdc08966d74dd7520add341dcb264af36afef427d0\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s personnel problem: What next after shock F1 team boss exit?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774278394\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1401122_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi has been rocked by Wheatley's shock departure \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How the F1 2026 midfield battle is shaping up after two rounds <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774263176\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2266585144-412.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Haas has emerged from the winter as the midfield leader \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jonathan Wheatley leaves Audi &#8220;with immediate effect&#8221;, paving way for Aston Martin F1 move<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774018371\"> 20\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1402041_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jonathan Wheatley, Audi, China F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi reveals drawback of having no customer teams<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1773843300\"> 18\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1397639_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wheatley, Audi, F1, China, 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Audi achieved an F1 debut considered a &#8220;drunk&#8221; prediction by one driver<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1773056785\"> 09\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi Formula 1 team, 2026 Australian GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Underdog Australian GP F1 qualifying star Gabriel Bortoleto explains odd Audi stoppage<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1772883465\"> 07\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399393_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Gabriel Bortoleto is pushed back into the pit lane \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Nico Hulkenberg is split on Formula 1&#8217;s energy management challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Hulkenberg conceded to being conflicted about the extreme energy management required in Formula 1, describing it as both \u201cfun\u201d and \u201cfrustrating\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Energy management has become a hot topic in F1 this season, with the ability to overtake and defend both heavily affected by the efficiency of battery harvesting and deployment.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both compared the racing to \u201cMario Kart\u201d, with the latter comparing Overtake Mode\u201d to the mushrooms that give a speed boost on the video game.<\/p>\n<p>Having spent the Japanese Grand Prix battling on the verge of the points, Hulkenberg said: \u201cWith the energy stuff, in a way, it\u2019s interesting and fun, but at the same time, it\u2019s also weird and frustrating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do the move, but you\u2019re just; you really have to pick your fights, and it\u2019s so easy to overspend and get a big de-rate and be a sitting duck. Sometimes, the closing speeds are really immense. So I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe race was probably entertaining on TV, there was probably lots going on, but it\u2019s different.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Nico Hulkenberg: Dropped points \u201cdisappointing and frustrating\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Three races into the campaign, Hulkenberg is still looking for his first point of the season, but has finished one place shy of the top 10 in each of the last two races \u2013 this following a did not start outcome in Australia.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-286aad5ef53c9ae775c4d0406901f75b5cbaf577004e7cf8e3d39cd09e39fcfc\">  Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?   Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Over a single lap, Audi has shown strong pace, with Gabriel Bortoleto twice breaking into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p>After a poor start from 13th place at Suzuka, Hulkenberg commented: \u201cI think with a regular start, there were obviously points on the table, which is disappointing and frustrating, so we need to get on top of that. It\u2019s a work in progress and more work on that side, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As for whether an issue with the power unit was behind the difficulty, he added: \u201cI don\u2019t know. I know I had a poor start, but I don\u2019t know the particulars, the ins and outs. I need to have a look and speak with the engineers, but it\u2019s obviously a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-48b4b628ac77bea5ea09ac3aeaa30692374ac0b2ea83ba20a7853ea019cd1e69\">  Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed   Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Hulkenberg conceded to being conflicted about the extreme energy management required in Formula 1, describing it as both \u201cfun\u201d and \u201cfrustrating\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Energy management has become a hot topic in F1 this season, with the ability to overtake and defend both heavily affected by the efficiency of battery harvesting and deployment.<\/p>\n<p>Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both compared the racing to \u201cMario Kart\u201d, with the latter comparing Overtake Mode\u201d to the mushrooms that give a speed boost on the video game.<\/p>\n<p>Having spent the Japanese Grand Prix battling on the verge of the points, Hulkenberg said: \u201cWith the energy stuff, in a way, it\u2019s interesting and fun, but at the same time, it\u2019s also weird and frustrating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do the move, but you\u2019re just; you really have to pick your fights, and it\u2019s so easy to overspend and get a big de-rate and be a sitting duck. Sometimes, the closing speeds are really immense. So I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe race was probably entertaining on TV, there was probably lots going on, but it\u2019s different.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Nico Hulkenberg: Dropped points \u201cdisappointing and frustrating\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Three races into the campaign, Hulkenberg is still looking for his first point of the season, but has finished one place shy of the top 10 in each of the last two races \u2013 this following a did not start outcome in Australia.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-286aad5ef53c9ae775c4d0406901f75b5cbaf577004e7cf8e3d39cd09e39fcfc\">  Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?   Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Over a single lap, Audi has shown strong pace, with Gabriel Bortoleto twice breaking into the top 10.<\/p>\n<p>After a poor start from 13th place at Suzuka, Hulkenberg commented: \u201cI think with a regular start, there were obviously points on the table, which is disappointing and frustrating, so we need to get on top of that. It\u2019s a work in progress and more work on that side, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As for whether an issue with the power unit was behind the difficulty, he added: \u201cI don\u2019t know. I know I had a poor start, but I don\u2019t know the particulars, the ins and outs. I need to have a look and speak with the engineers, but it\u2019s obviously a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-48b4b628ac77bea5ea09ac3aeaa30692374ac0b2ea83ba20a7853ea019cd1e69\">  Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed   Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092868\/1\/f1-veteran-brands-energy-management-fun-weird-and-frustrating&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404700_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] F1 veteran brands energy management \u2018fun but weird and frustrating\u2019 Nico Hulkenberg is split on Formula 1&#8217;s energy management challenge. Sam Hall , Adam Cooper 04 Apr 2026 Share Hulkenberg, Audi, Start, F1, Japan, 2026 \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Nico Hulkenberg conceded to being conflicted about the extreme energy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1866524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1866524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1866524"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1866524\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1866524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1866524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1866524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}