Interview
Hausmann harnessing ‘new strength’ as she looks to kick-start season with a maiden victory
After qualifying seventh in Zandvoort, Tina Hausmann has a spring in her step as she looks to turn her reverse grid pole position into a maiden F1 ACADEMY victory this evening.
The Aston Martin driver put together a solid performance around the slippery Dutch circuit. As the wet to dry track conditions continued to evolve, she ran inside the top three during the initial stages.
However, the switch to slicks proved to be a bigger challenge, with the pressure falling on to those last handful of laps before the chequered flag. Pleased with how events panned out, Hausmann is optimistic that she has the pace to contend for the victory but is hoping that a return to wetter conditions falls in her favour.
“I’m very happy with how I managed the session,” she reflected.” It started super when we did a few laps on the wets. We were really strong, so I hope it's going to rain in the race. Then we managed and we adapted super quickly.
“It wasn't easy to switch from the wets to the slick tyres, but after a few laps I also managed to do well on them. I'm happy with P7, P2 for the reverse grid so I’m looking forward to it.”
When asked about her chances of fighting for the win, Hausmann added: “Hopefully, yes! I’m ready, I can’t wait. I think it’s going to be tricky with the chance of rain and everything. It’s going to be about who can adapt the quickest, so I’m really hungry (for it).”
Wins and podiums have eluded Hausmann so far in F1 ACADEMY, with two P4 finishes marking her best results so far — one of which she scored last time out in Montreal.
Bracing herself to line up on the Race 1 front row alongside PREMA Racing teammate Nina Gademan, the Swiss racer is hopeful that her recent pace can propel her to the top step.
“We have had a good momentum since the beginning of the year,” said Hausmann. “It's getting better and better. Now I'm happy that I can keep it and go forward with what we’ve done well in Montreal and improve what we still have to improve.
“The confidence was never missing in the car, but I think now with graduating school and having time to recharge your batteries, it just gave me a lot of new strength. I feel as ready as I did at the beginning of the year again, so really happy to get the second part of the season started.”