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German Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed a successful season in 2014, showing remarkable pace and consistency.
“Hulk” ranked 9th in the drivers' standings with 96 points while his team, Force India finished the year in 6th position behind McLaren.
In an exclusive interview with Formula1.com, Hulkenberg said he was really happy with his performance, especially in the early part of the year.
“I think on the whole I'm pretty satisfied with 2014. It was my best season in terms of points scored and my position in the championship,” Hulkenberg said.
“The first half of the year was a lot of fun - that was when the car was at its most competitive and we made that count. The four P5 finishes were results we worked hard to achieve and were definitely the highlights. Monaco stands out for me because it was such a tough race and I really had to nurse my supersoft tires in the last 20 laps. I also remember my overtaking move on Kevin [Magnussen] at Portier. The second half of the year was more challenging. Things did not really go my way and I was quite unlucky in several races. But it was good to end the season with a strong result in Abu Dhabi,” he explained.
At the end of 2013, the German left Sauber after only one year to return to Force India. What made him decide to switch teams?
“I don't think it's a sixth sense, but sometimes you have to make a decision on what you feel in your stomach,” Hulkenberg replied.
“The decision at the end of 2013 was not so much about leaving Sauber, but about the opportunity at Force India - a team I already knew very well. There were lots of factors in that decision, but Force India with the Mercedes engine seemed like the best combination. Yes, it proved to be the right decision. Sometimes you need some luck,” he explained.
Mexican Sergio Perez will remain Hulkenberg's teammate in 2015. How well are the two working together?
“Checo is a very strong team mate, which is a good thing because it helps bring out the best in me,” Hulkenger declared.
“The first year with Rubens [Barrichello, in 2010] was interesting and tough. He was very quick. He also taught me a lot. My relationship with Checo is very competitive but also healthy. We both want to beat each other but we get on okay and work well together to move the team forward,” the German said.
“Hulk” ranked 9th in the drivers' standings with 96 points while his team, Force India finished the year in 6th position behind McLaren.
In an exclusive interview with Formula1.com, Hulkenberg said he was really happy with his performance, especially in the early part of the year.
“I think on the whole I'm pretty satisfied with 2014. It was my best season in terms of points scored and my position in the championship,” Hulkenberg said.
“The first half of the year was a lot of fun - that was when the car was at its most competitive and we made that count. The four P5 finishes were results we worked hard to achieve and were definitely the highlights. Monaco stands out for me because it was such a tough race and I really had to nurse my supersoft tires in the last 20 laps. I also remember my overtaking move on Kevin [Magnussen] at Portier. The second half of the year was more challenging. Things did not really go my way and I was quite unlucky in several races. But it was good to end the season with a strong result in Abu Dhabi,” he explained.
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| Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2) |
At the end of 2013, the German left Sauber after only one year to return to Force India. What made him decide to switch teams?
“I don't think it's a sixth sense, but sometimes you have to make a decision on what you feel in your stomach,” Hulkenberg replied.
“The decision at the end of 2013 was not so much about leaving Sauber, but about the opportunity at Force India - a team I already knew very well. There were lots of factors in that decision, but Force India with the Mercedes engine seemed like the best combination. Yes, it proved to be the right decision. Sometimes you need some luck,” he explained.
Mexican Sergio Perez will remain Hulkenberg's teammate in 2015. How well are the two working together?
“Checo is a very strong team mate, which is a good thing because it helps bring out the best in me,” Hulkenger declared.
“The first year with Rubens [Barrichello, in 2010] was interesting and tough. He was very quick. He also taught me a lot. My relationship with Checo is very competitive but also healthy. We both want to beat each other but we get on okay and work well together to move the team forward,” the German said.