Dennis Hauger (19) is satisfied with this week’s test in Bahrain and is clear that Formula 1 is his only thought right now.
The Aurskog guy will drive his second year in Formula 2 – after a somewhat disappointing 2022. 2023 could be very decisive for whether he will advance to Formula 1.
– I have no plan B. I only have one plan, he says.
Although he got a lot of flak from Red Bull last year, positive things have also happened in the relationship with the Formula 1 team, of which he is part of the academy.
– They have brought me in to drive the Formula 1 simulator and give feedback there. It is a positive confirmation. It’s cool to get that trust. But of course I also have to perform on the road.
– There will be ups and downs anyway. After all, I am one of those who have been part of Red Bull’s junior efforts for the longest time, says Hauger, who was only 14 years old when he was picked up by the team that has had the world champion in Formula 1 for the last two years.
Red Bull will not enter with the same amount of money in Team Hauger in 2023, because they were not satisfied with his 10th place in the first Formula 2 season.
This week’s test results from Bahrain have been positive, but both Hauger’s MP team and the other teams have had different objectives with the test. It is therefore difficult to compare the times. Hauger had the third best time on day two and the fifth best time in the afternoon on day three.
– It seems that Dennis is among the fastest, says manager Harald Huysman.
– Especially in race simulation, he was very fast.
Hauger drove last year for Prema, which failed to give the Norwegian a winning car. MP had The Formula 2 champion last seasonand Dennis Hauger has therefore chosen to switch to the Dutch team.
– Of course the goal is to fight for the title. I enter season two with more experience, knowledge and a new team. It feels right, says Hauger.
His conclusion after the test this week:
– I feel quite comfortable with the car and the team. There is a bit to go on here and there, but overall it feels good towards the start of the season. It will be interesting!
It just starts in Bahrain on the first weekend of March.
– I have nothing else in mind but to fight for the title. I try to concentrate on what I can control.
During the winter break, he has trained a lot at the Olympiatoppen, and says his physical form is better than ever.
– What will be important this season?
– Minimize the number of errors. Don’t lose points when I don’t need it. This is racing, and things happen. Mistakes happen. It’s a lot of adrenaline. But it is about avoiding the unnecessary mistakes. And cut out everything that I can’t get anything done with.
