Nico Hulkenberg Opens Up on Formula One Exit, His Undesired Records and Regrets

German driver Nico Hulkenberg is one of those talented drivers who never got the right opportunity. Since his debut in 2010, he has never stood on a Formula 1 podium at all, in spite of coming close several times. Now, the 31-year old has admitted that there is nothing more for him to prove in Formula One.

The Renault driver, kick-started his career at Williams F1, with brief stints at the then Force India Team and Sauber. Sadly, the driver who finished as ‘Best of the Rest’ last year, will be replaced by Esteban Ocon in 2020. The only slot on the grid left is with the team that gave him his debut for back in 2010.

However, he is not particularly dismissed his chances of returning to Williams, with their form being so poor. In other words, it is goodbye Nico Hulkenberg for the 2020 Formula One season. His last genuine chance was with Alfa Romeo, until they stuck with Antonio Giovinazzi alongside Kimi Raikkonen.

Despite the podium drought, Hulkenberg believes that his consistency in Formula 1 spoke for itself. He has even been linked with seats within the top teams, but would get overlooked often.

“It doesn’t feel like unfinished business, because I’ve done my business,” Hülkenberg told Crash.net.  “I’ve performed well over the years, very consistently, many times when it was on the verge or other people didn’t get hired or get a job, I still was wanted and hired and paid to drive. That also speaks for some quality.

“Of course I would like to have a different kind of record, more points and podiums and victories, but I know the reasons why, and why maybe things didn’t go that way.

“I’m at peace with myself there. I sleep well at night with my eyes closed. I’d love to continue racing, but if not, then life goes on.”