Nico Hulkenberg admits that finishing seventh at last Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix came as relief “after a bit of a difficult period for me”.
The Force India racer had travelled to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on the back of three retirements in four races, all due to making contact with another driver.
Indeed, Hulkenberg had clashed with Williams’ Felipe Massa at Singapore, tangled with Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson on the opening lap in Russia, and come together with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo at Circuit of the Americas following a front wing failure.
The German’s misfortune had been further compounded by team-mate Sergio Perez bagging a series of impressive results in the mean time, including a resounding podium at Sochi.
“I am really happy about this performance and finally getting back in the points after a bit of a difficult period for me,” said Hulkenberg. “It was a very clean race from my part, with no mistakes and no problems.”
Lining up 10th on the grid behind local favourite Perez, the reigning Le Mans 24 Hours champion drove a steady, albeit lonely race in the bottom half of the points-paying positions.
Having gone for a two-stop strategy, Hulkenberg was able to jump his team-mate and Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen when Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel triggered a late Safety Car period by crashing out of the grand prix.
“We couldn't have gotten any more from it so I feel very happy with the result.
“The Safety Car ended up playing into my hands, which is the little bit of luck you always need to get a good result, but our pace was strong and we were able to hold our own.
“It took a lot of management as the temperatures were high and we had to look after the brakes as well, so from that perspective it was a very demanding race.
“The result is important for our championship battle so it’s great for everyone in the team.”
Hulkenberg’s seventh points finish of the season further strengthens Force India’s hold on fifth place in the Constructors’ standings. The Silverstone-based outfit now enjoys a 41-point cushion over nearest rival Lotus.
Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings
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