F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hulkenberg rues one specific career move in F1

Nico Hulkenberg says that not all the decisions he made during his career were perfect, but his move from Force India to Sauber at the end of 2012 was in hindsight the wrong choice.

Hulkenberg transferred to the Hinwil-based squad for 2013 after just a single season with Force India and after his second year in F1.

Racing at Sauber alongside rookie Esteban Gutierrez, Hulkenberg endured a difficult campaign although results improved in the second half of his season.

"Not all the moves were right or perfect, that's the difficult thing in Formula 1," Hulkenberg said, quoted by GP Today.

"You take a decision six or eight months before you get there and it's difficult to predict where things turn out.

"It's easy to say, but I think that change to Sauber in 2013, even though it was a much better half of the season, I think that move was probably not the best for my career."

The German driver returned to Force India for 2014 to spend three seasons alongside Sergio Perez at the Silverstone-based outfit before answering Renault's call for 2017.

Unfortunately, the man who holds the unenviable record for the most race starts in F1 without achieving a podium finish will be sitting on the sidelines in 2020, replaced at Renault by F1 returnee Esteban Ocon.

"Obviously, they still have a big challenge on their hands," Hulkenberg said, commenting on his former team's prospects.

"With 21 in mind a lot of things change and with 2020 they want to progress and get up the grid.

"This year [2019] was not a setback, but not the year we wanted and needed. So, they have that challenge on their hands to bounce back from that and do better next year.

"There is going to be an interesting challenge and time ahead for them, but I wish them luck and all the best."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.

Recent Posts

Horner in Jerez: Surprise MotoGP visit sparks ownership visit

The asphalt at Jerez was already sizzling on Saturday, but the temperature in the MotoGP…

8 hours ago

Michele Alboreto: Ferrari's last Italian winner

On this day in 2001, the world of motorsport mourned the loss of Michele Alboreto,…

10 hours ago

Ouch! Alesi spins vintage F1 Ferrari into Monaco barrier

Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve during…

11 hours ago

Montoya’s shock call: Ban Verstappen from GT3 racing!

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called out Red Bull for letting Max Verstappen…

12 hours ago

‘Starting to pay off’: Sainz encouraged by positive step for Williams

While the start of the 2026 season has been a heavy lift for Williams –…

13 hours ago

Brown: Cozy team alliances a risk for F1’s ‘sporting fairness’

Zak Brown has once again lit the fuse on one of the sport’s most controversial…

15 hours ago