3 Reasons Nico Hülkenberg’s Move to Sauber Might Be the Right One

Sunday saw the conclusion of the 2012 Formula 1 season, and most eyes were riveted to the exciting battle that saw Sebastian Vettel escape with his third consecutive title by the narrowest of margins over Fernando Alonso. However, the revelation of the race may well have been Nico Hülkenberg, driving in his final race for Force India before moving to Sauber in 2013. Hülkenberg led his first ever race laps and looked to be a strong contender for the maiden win – both for him and Force India – until he collided trying to overtake Lewis Hamilton in turn one as the race wound down, eventually shuffling down to fifth at the checkered flag.

 Many F1 pundits, most notably Speed’s David Hobbs, think Hülkenberg might be taking a step backwards on the F1 grid by voluntarily moving from Force India to Sauber, based primarily on the pace of the respective cars late in the season. Taking a deeper look, however, three points arise that suggest Hülkenberg’s move might be the right one to make.

Sauber finished  6^th in the 2012 Constructors’ Championship, Force India 7^th

For Force India, it was a tale of two seasons, with the first 10 races producing 46 points, the second 10 races delivering 63. Conversely, Sauber broke from the gates well, earning 80 points over the first half, then holding on to its position by scrambling for just 46 points in the second. Hobbs and others look to that trend in questioning Hülkenberg’s decision.

Not so fast.

Sauber produced the best chances to win in 2012, finding itself on the podium in four races – two seconds and two thirds - while Force India’s best finishes were off the podium – two fourths and two fifths. When Sauber is at its best, its best is better than Force India’s, and Hülkenberg is looking to stand on the F1 podium for the first time in his young career. If 2012 is any indication, Sauber affords the best opportunity.

 Hülkenberg responsible for much of Force India’s 2012 success

Force India outperformed Sauber over the second half of the season, but most of that was attributable to Hülkenberg himself, as he regularly outperformed teammate Pal Di Resta, outscoring him in six races, and scoring a total of 44 points to Di Resta’s 19. Comparatively, Sauber’s driver tandem of Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Pérez scored 27 and 19 points respectively, matching or outpacing Di Resta, even with Pérez seemingly checking out after signing with McLaren for 2013, getting shut out of the points the final six races. So, yes, while Force India outperformed Sauber over the last ten races, Hülkenberg was the driver responsible for the majority of that performance.

Sauber runs Ferrari engines while Force India runs Mercedes

Not for nothing, Sauber powers its chasses with Ferrari engines. This isn’t to suggest the Ferrari power plant provides a competitive advantage over the Mercedes of Force India. Rather, the suggestion is for future driving opportunities. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was lucky to hold onto his drive for 2013, and if he repeats his disappointing start to the season, driver succession rumors will flying by early summer. If so, Hülkenberg, driving for a Ferrari customer team, will instantly find himself in consideration to fill the seat in the prancing horse of the Scuderia. The road upwards in the Mercedes camp is much more cluttered, with both Mercedes and McLaren both seemingly set for several years.

2013 will tell the story

There you have it – three reasons to suggest that Hülkenberg might have made the proper decision to leave Force India for Sauber. The key word, of course, being “might.” The balance of the 2013 season will tell the story, and it all starts March 17 in Melbourne, Australia. 

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