Renault's Nico Hulkenberg says the current-spec of F1 cars coupled with his vast experience have put his driving at its best ever level.
With 138 Grands Prix under his belt, the 30-year-old driver who started his career in 2010, is indeed a man with a wealth of F1 knowledge.
After five years with Force India, Hulkenberg moved to Renault last year, when F1 ushered in its new-spec higher downforce cars, a move that has benefited the German.
"Yeah, I think so. I think I feel pretty confident and happy, and these cars now with more downforce since last year’s generation of cars, probably it favours me more." Hulkenberg says.
"At the moment I do feel with all the seasons I’ve done, the experience, probably I’m doing amongst the best driving that I’ve ever produced.
"So far I’m happy, but don’t praise the season too soon."
The Hulk has scored a top-10 finish in each one of the three races held so far, and out-qualified and out-raced highly rated team mate Carlos Sainz on every occasion.
However, he also holds the unenviable record of starting the greatest number of races without achieving a podium finish.
Hulkenberg isn't overly fixated on that shortage however, although he is determined to have a car that can race consistently in the top five.
"It’s how the sport is, so you can’t really get too frustrated about that," he admits
"Of course sometimes you run out of patience and you don’t like to see it, but there’s not so much you can do."
For any driver, a team's development never happens fast enough, and Hulkenberg is no exception even if Renault's progress is clear for everyone to see.
"We need to develop and develop faster, that’s the only thing we can do, and do a good job and take the right decision," he adds.
"But look at the other top teams — whether it’s Red Bull or Mercedes, it all took them time to be where they’re at now, so you’ve got to grant us this time also, even though a drive is always naturally a bit impatient.
"I want a car now to be fighting for top five positions, but it’s not quite there yet."
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