Max Verstappen (24) won the Formula 1 championship. Dennis Hauger (18) won Formula 3. On Tuesday, they congratulated each other in Abu Dhabi.
– We congratulated each other on the championships, Dennis Hauger tells VG.
– What did Verstappen say to you?
– That I had had a good season and that it was a good ride. It’s cool that he’s been watching.
While Dennis Hauger was in a class of his own in the Formula 3 meters, Max Verstappen secured the World Cup gold in Formula 1 after driving past Lewis Hamilton in the very last round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
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They have greeted each other before as well, but Tuesday’s meeting in Red Bull’s guest area during the Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi was of course something special.
Hauger received the visible proof this weekend on his Formula 3 victory, so was he watches the incredibly dramatic Formula 1 race.
– It was wild to be present during the race on Sunday. There was a lot that was on the border and the excitement was there until the last round. It was extremely cool and exciting to be present, says Dennis Hauger.
– How is the mood in Red Bull now?
– It’s pretty good. Although some may have a little headache after the celebration this weekend.
Dennis Hauger was caught by the Red Bull system already as a 14-year-old. After a disappointing 2020 season, the Aurskog guy has emerged as one of the great Formula talents in 2021.
His driving in Formula 3 has attracted attention. In 2022, he will take the step further to Formula 2. In Abu Dhabi, he has met, among other things, the powerful Red Bull profile Helmut Marko, who despite his 78 years has great influence.
– What does Marko say now?
– He says that I have had a good season and that they are “happy” with me. But it’s not something I should think about too much. I just have to keep going in the rhythm I’m in. I know how easy it can turn.
Now three days of Formula 2 testing await Dennis Hauger; Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
– It will be a lot of new, says Dennis Hauger.
– Will the transition from Formula 3 to Formula 2 be as big as the transition from Formula 4 to Formula 3?
– I have not tried yet, but I do not think it will be as big. But there are differences, which I have to learn. It will be exciting to see the hill it feels. I want to build self-confidence as soon as possible. At least I’m looking forward to getting started.
– How important has 2021 been?
– It has been a decisive season and it is good that it went as it went. I just have to try to take advantage of the rhythm and progress I have. This has been important for myself mentally and the way forward. It would have been hard if it had not gone well this year. That’s how it is.
The hassle of when he comes to Formula 1, we have to save Dennis Hauger for this time. But he feels he is in the lead:
– I have a good feeling. I just have to focus on what I can do with myself. Work with the team.
This week’s Formula 2 testing takes place with the same team that Hauger has had in Formula 3, Prema. It is not rocket research to predict that Hauger will drive in the Prema team also in Formula 2.
Dennis Hauger will also be more closely linked to the Red Bulls Formula 1 team in 2022.
– Exactly what it means, we do not yet know, dad Tom Erik Hauger tells VG.
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