Hulkenberg jokes about ‘dangerous’ Ferrari dream

Nico Hulkenberg says that dreaming of becoming a Ferrari F1 racer can be “a dangerous thing”, and insists he feels very comfortable at Force India.

The German was amongst the drivers linked to a move to Maranello last year until the Italian team decided to keep Kimi Raikkonen for another season. Hulkenberg signed a two-year extension with his current team shortly after.

However, the Finn’s new Ferrari deal only runs until the end of 2016 and Force India already said it would not stand in Hulkenberg’s way should a top team approach the reigning Le Mans champion.

“I have extended my contract at Force India and I am eager to deliver the best,” Hulkenberg told the official F1 website.

“For me, it’s not just about the rows. There is more to it. Formula One has always been a team sport. It’s about the people you work with, and I’m currently very happy with my team.”

Pressed to talk about potentially joining Ferrari in the foreseeable future, the 28-year-old added: “As I just said, right now I am very happy where I am. Force India is a cool team. And dreaming is a dangerous thing in F1, especially dreaming in red. (laughs).”

Despite Force India achieving its best result to date in the Constructors’ championship with fifth, Hulkenberg’s 2015 campaign was not entirely satisfactory and featured a series of unusual mistakes.

Still seeking that elusive first F1 podium, the former GP2 Series champion looks to break his duck in 2016.

“Some things will always be beyond your control. But you have to constantly learn from any mistake, especially your own. This is how you get better, and this is what matters.

“I want to make this my best season in F1: in terms of points and my position at the season’s end. And I want to push myself on to the podium - hopefully and finally! (laughs). For that, I will just do what I do best: drive fast and enjoy what I love doing!”

Force India winter diary part one - The boss

Feature: Assisting an F1 team... from a distance