New rear wings "like a parachute" according to Hülkenberg

Renault's Nico Hülkenberg has joked that the Formula 1's new rear wings create a significant amount of drag in a straight line, making it feel "like a parachute" when the DRS is not engaged.

The rear wings have been adjusted as part of a change in regulation. They now create much more drag on the cars, meaning the DRS-flap is much larger. So, when you are within range to use DRS, the effect of it will be much greater, meaning more overtakes (in theory).

The Hülk experienced the new rear wing for the first time today, and he really noticed the difference from last year.

"We have a lot more drag with the big rear wing so obviously you have less of that sensation," the German said when asked if the Renault engine has made gains in performance.

"It’s like pulling a parachute now across the straight. You just see that massive rear wing in the mirrors and obviously that has an impact on the feel of power."

In general, Hülkenberg wasn't ecstatic about his new car like Sebastian Vettel was about his Ferrari, but the German is happy there weren't any problems during his time in the car.

“First impressions are OK, I would say just alright for now,” he explained.

“The car ran without any big problems this morning, 65 laps I think is a decent start. It doesn’t feel a completely different animal, it was more of a feeling like coming home.

“For me, anyway, it hasn’t changed that much. We have the same steering wheel, for example, the seating position is very similar. Perhaps I also wasn’t expecting a huge difference. Obviously the aero regulations it was difficult to kind of anticipate how that would impact the feeling but for now, it’s not so different.”