Nico Hulkenberg says he is happy rather than worried now that Carlos Sainz is his teammate at Renault. This year, German Hulkenberg was teamed up at the French team with Jolyon Palmer, until the Briton was ousted and replaced with Spaniard Sainz.
Hulkenberg says that overall, he is "satisfied" with how 2017 went for Renault. And: "In terms of driving it was my best season so far," said the 30-year-old. "As a driver I've never been better. The faster cars are more suited to me. I can drive at the limit and that's also more fun. The tyres have become much better. Everything went in the right direction," Hulkenberg told Auto Bild.
However, Hulkenberg is now paired with a much more challenging teammate, with some calling Sainz's arrival at Renault as a 'wake-up call'. But Hulkenberg said: "It was completely clear that Carlos would be closer. At the end of the day, we are all only cooking with water. Sainz is talented and fast. We are only at the beginning of our team relationship, but Carlos is important for the development of the team."
As for the future, Hulkenberg gave the first sign that he intends to stay at Renault beyond the end of his contract late next year. Asked if he will be fighting against Sainz for the 2020 title, he smiled: "I hope so!" (GMM)
Hulkenberg welcomes Sainz challenge at Renault
- Published on 11 Dec 2017 12:09
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Driver profile
- Team Audi
- Points 392
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- Grand Prix 188
- Country DE
- Date of b. Aug 19 1987 (38)
- Place of b. Emmerich am Rhein, DE
- Weight 70 kg
- Length 1.84 m
- 16,598 comments on Audi
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- Team name Renault
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- Fernando Alonso 8
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- Jenson Button 15
- Kevin Magnussen 20
- Nico Hülkenberg 27
- Jolyon Palmer 30
- Esteban Ocon 31
- Carlos Sainz jr 55
- 236,941 comments on Renault
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Replies (3)
Login to replyPosts: 2,475
I'll look forward to this battle, especially if Renault comes back as improved as many expect.
Posts: 8,527
I pretty much expect them to be right in the fight with Williams and Force India.
Posts: 100
Hope they will kick him out next season. Arrogant loser