Monaco GP critics should “stop crying”, says Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg didn’t mince his words when discussing potential changes to the Monaco Grand Prix track, as the Sauber Formula 1 driver told critics to “stop crying” about the historic track, which plays host to notoriously dull races given how difficult it is to overtake.

“I don’t always understand that drama around it,” he told reporters in Barcelona on Thursday. “People know it’s going to happen, and then they complain anyway. So, it’s something I don’t really spend too much time and energy [thinking] about.

“If you want to do better, you just have to qualify better. Stop crying.” 

The conversation comes amid Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) president Alex Wurz offering multiple suggestions to make the race more entertaining, following the mandatory two-pitstop rule that was implemented last weekend.

“Every year we have this, and while my grand prix wasn’t very exciting … I feel Monaco has always been a bit like that to some extent,” Hulkenberg added. 

“Looking at the grandstands and the terraces, I think it was as busy as I’ve ever seen it. And in terms of guests and in terms of celebrities people still like it, it seems.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“But when was the spectacular Monaco Grand Prix? Tell me when.”

Fernando Alonso was also critical of the conversation, suggesting his fellow F1 drivers were being “too nice” when asked whether the track needs changing.

“There is this constant talk of how bad is something, instead of how good is something,” he said. “This is Monaco. Maybe there is a couple of ideas between all involved in the sport we can think of for Monaco, but I don’t think there is any need to think of anything.”

He added: “It is only because there is a lot of content now to be created and drivers we are too nice so we answer every question. If 40 years ago you ask [Ayrton] Senna and [Alain] Prost about Monaco after one week and they are fighting for the championship, they will be less polite than we are.”