Nico Hulkenberg feels he's gaining momentum in Formula 1
Nico Hulkenberg believes the continuity of racing in Formula 1 for a second consecutive season time has allowed him to develop as a driver
The German raced for Williams in 2010 before losing his seat, spending the following season as Friday driver for Force India.
After being promoted to a race drive last season alongside Paul di Resta, Hulkenberg had a solid first half of the season before hitting top form with an impressive run of results after the August break.
Despite moving to Sauber this year, he is certain coming into a campaign off the back of a full season of racing has allowed him to further improve even while adjusting to a new team.
"You are always learning as there are always new circumstances, new tyres, new regulations," Hulkenberg told AUTOSPORT.
"It's my third year. In 2012, I came back after the break in 2011 but now there was the smooth transition from '12 to '13.
"I'm confident I can say that pretty much every time I squeeze the maximum out of myself and the car."
Hulkenberg has scored only seven points so far this season, all of the tally built up by Sauber.
But even though he has not managed to claim any eyecatching results, his best being eighth in the Malaysian GP, he believes his performances have been consistently good.
"Malaysia was a good effort, the first race because I missed Melbourne [after a fuel leak was found pre-race].
"There have been quite a few good ones but when you don't end up in the points, they don't look so great even though they were all pretty decent.
"The consistency has been quite good. There is not one which massively stands out in terms of points as the best was eighth, but they have all been quite good."
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Nico Hulkenberg |
| Author | Edd Straw |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
