Hulkenberg at peace with F1 record as exit looms

Nico Hulkenberg does not see himself having any unfinished business in Formula 1 as his exit from the grid looms for 2020, saying he is at peace with his record.

Hulkenberg made his F1 debut in 2010 and was tipped to be one of the future stars after impressing in junior formulae, winning titles at every level he raced at.

And while he took a stunning pole position for Williams at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix and came close to signing for Ferrari a few years later, Hulkenberg struggled to live up to his billing, and is still yet to score a podium finish.

Hulkenberg is set to be without a seat for 2020 after losing his Renault drive to Esteban Ocon, but stressed he does not see himself as having more to prove in F1.

“It doesn’t feel like unfinished business, because I’ve done my business,” Hulkenberg said.

“I’ve performed well over the years, very consistently, many times when it was on the verge or other people didn’t get hired or get a job, I still was wanted and hired and paid to drive. That also speaks for some quality.

“Of course I would like to have a different kind of record, more points and podiums and victories, but I know the reasons why, and why maybe things didn’t go that way.

“I’m at peace with myself there. I sleep well at night with my eyes closed. I’d love to continue racing, but if not, then life goes on.”

Hulkenberg is yet to confirm any racing plans for 2020, but has ruled out taking up a simulator or reserve role with another F1 team, meaning his exit from the sport is likely.

A comparison was drawn between Hulkenberg and Charles Leclerc, who also won at every stage of his junior career, and is now a two-time grand prix winner after being given the chance to move up to Ferrari for only his second F1 season in 2019.

Asked if it made him think what could have been for his own career, Hulkenberg wryly replied: “It makes me think lucky bastard!”

Additional reporting by Julianne Cerasoli.