Nico Hulkenberg conceded to being conflicted about the extreme energy management required in Formula 1, describing it as both “fun” and “frustrating”.

Energy management has become a hot topic in F1 this season, with the ability to overtake and defend both heavily affected by the efficiency of battery harvesting and deployment.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both compared the racing to “Mario Kart”, with the latter comparing Overtake Mode” to the mushrooms that give a speed boost on the video game.

Having spent the Japanese Grand Prix battling on the verge of the points, Hulkenberg said: “With the energy stuff, in a way, it’s interesting and fun, but at the same time, it’s also weird and frustrating.

“You do the move, but you’re just; you really have to pick your fights, and it’s so easy to overspend and get a big de-rate and be a sitting duck. Sometimes, the closing speeds are really immense. So I don’t know.

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“The race was probably entertaining on TV, there was probably lots going on, but it’s different.”

Nico Hulkenberg: Dropped points “disappointing and frustrating”

Three races into the campaign, Hulkenberg is still looking for his first point of the season, but has finished one place shy of the top 10 in each of the last two races – this following a did not start outcome in Australia.

Over a single lap, Audi has shown strong pace, with Gabriel Bortoleto twice breaking into the top 10.

After a poor start from 13th place at Suzuka, Hulkenberg commented: “I think with a regular start, there were obviously points on the table, which is disappointing and frustrating, so we need to get on top of that. It’s a work in progress and more work on that side, for sure.”

As for whether an issue with the power unit was behind the difficulty, he added: “I don’t know. I know I had a poor start, but I don’t know the particulars, the ins and outs. I need to have a look and speak with the engineers, but it’s obviously a thing.”

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