In the ADAC GT Masters, Nico Hantke and Denis Bulatov share the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 of Scherer Sport PHX. Coordination, trust, and mutual affection are essential for performing well on the track. But just how well do the team-mates know each other apart from tenths of a second, tyre pressure, and set-up? An interview with a twist reveals the answer and some anecdotes.
Who would choose the hotel?
Denis Bulatov: I would definitely take care of that. If Nico were to make the booking, we would end up with a room on the wrong date or at the wrong racetrack. Which actually did happen this year (they both laugh).
Who has the bigger suitcase?
Denis Bulatov: That’s me as well, although it’s relative. I have one large suitcase I put everything in. While Nico has lots of different backpacks that he carries around.
Who is more punctual?
Nico Hantke: Definitely me, 100 percent!
Denis Bulatov: I have to admit that I’m often late. Which means that Nico also arrives late because we travel together. But we’re always on time for the sessions!
Who has better taste in food?
Nico Hantke: Denis finds the better restaurants. But he tried to poison me with fish at the Red Bull Ring (he laughs). I have an allergy, but fortunately I noticed right away and didn’t eat anything.
Denis Bulatov: I didn’t know that there was fish on that pizza, everything had really strange names. So, I wasn’t trying to poison him on purpose (they both laugh).
Who is more chaotic?
Nico Hantke: We’re both chaotic, we can’t deny it!
Who has more heated discussions with your engineer or team principal?
Both drivers look at their engineer…
Denis Bulatov: Actually, we’re pretty chilled, other people are probably worse than us, right?
Nico Hantke: Ultimately, it’s teamwork, so there’s no point getting worked up; we need to work on finding solutions together instead.
Who spends more time on their phone?
Nico Hanke: Definitely me.
Denis Bulatov: It’s either Snapchat or TikTok that’s his most-used app with the number of photos he takes (they both laugh).
Who has the most irritating habit, and what is it?
Denis Bulatov: His phone. It’s really annoying. Sometimes he calls me three times within an hour because he’s bored (he laughs).
Nico Hantke: Dennis’ time management (he laughs).
Which quality would you like to steal from each other?
Nico Hantke: Probably his motorsport experience, especially in wet conditions.
Denis Bulatov: I don’t want anything from you (he laughs).
