Hulkenberg compares Renault works effort to Porsche

40

Renault F1's new recruit Nico Hulkenberg says his experience so far with the French team reminds him of his LMP1 stint with Porsche in 2015.

The German, who moved from Force India to Renault this season, won the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche two years ago alongside Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber.

Hulkenberg offered his view on the differences which exist between a private team such as Force India and a works effort like Renault.

"It reminds me quite a bit of my year with Porsche in LMP," Hulkenberg told Autosport.com.

"Being with a manufacturer is just a different game, you feel the power, the support, the resources they have.

"You see the factory is two or three times the size, the amount of people, what they are building and constructing there.

"The commitment is definitely there, you see they are taking seriously. This is the reason I came, and what I expect to see from them - that they push on."

Renault not as well prepared as rivals - Abiteboul

Hulkenberg, who finished just outside the points last weekend in Australia, has vowed to help Renault build its foundation for the future as it aims to return to the top of Grand Prix racing.

"This opportunity came at the perfect moment for me," he said.

"To be with a manufacturer, one that has a great history in Formula 1 and has been so successful in previous year and wants to go back there.

"Obviously we're not back there yet and there's still a long way to go but I think it's great for me to face that challenge with the team, that we work on it together to bring Renault back to the top."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.