Current Nico Hülkenberg

Never have I known so many people rate a test driver as a future world champion so I thought I'd start a thread for people to pass there opinions on young Nico.

Has an incredible record in other Formula's - won A1 Go in 06, won F3 euro masters in 08, won GP2 in 09 and then came into F1. There was a lot of hype around Mr Hulkenberg in arriving in F1 as he was seen as the next 'Lewis Hamilton' but in all honest in the car he was driving he was never going to be able to match what Lewis did as a rookie the question remains though did he do enough? He scored 25 points to his experienced team-mate Rubens Barrichello's 47 which doesn't look good - however is it unfair to judge a rookie against the most experienced F1 driver in history? Especially a driver who was having a resurgent after being a world championship contender the season before.

To be fair to Hulkenberg he got better as the season went on and it was clear he was getting to grips with F1 - the icing on the cake of course was the brilliant pole he scored in the wet in Brazil. Although tactical he was advised as when to go and on what tyres he still had to produce the time and being on pole by over a second is pretty impressive. I think if Williams could have afforded to keep him on they would have done but needs must when the bank manager drives and poor old Nico was shown the door.

Currently testing with Force India and you have to think that right now he's breathing down Sutil's neck for the race seat. I really hope they take a gamble on him earlier than later as want to see how he fares against Di Resta - I actually think that might be the making of both of them. Currently Di Resta is being praised and lined up for the Merc drive at the moment but you have to say if Hulkenberg comes in and beats him surely Merc would take the Nico option?

Is he as good as he's hyped or does having Will Weber as you manager help you become hyped up? Interestingly back in 2009, when he was being considered for replacing Luca Badoer at Ferrari, Weber stated that Hulkenberg would not take the seat now but he would sign for Ferrari in 3 years time - that makes 2012 - next season!

As mentioned on another thread there have been 2 world champions who have had a season of F1 and then dropped out to take a test driver role for another year - Mika Hakkinen and Fernando Alonso - will Nico make it a hattrick?
 
Rutherford I am talking about Maldonado who took his Williams drive and his opportunity to go to Lotus as well. This time he made the right call to join Renault because longer term it is better for him .. Perez is now stuck in midfield and chances of him landing a top drive are disappearing now
 
rufus_mcdufus Yes but Perez is still dreaming of a Ferrari drive once more .. he turned down the chance to join Renault citing lack of leadrship but he should have taken the drive to prove he can be a team leader

Hulkenberg was right to take this opportunity and is certainly proving he can be a capable No 1 like he was at Sauber... Renault will come good eventually history says so and they are going up against a good bench mark in Mclaren and Red Bull chassis
 
Perezs' time has passed; it's too late for him to land a top drive, there are too many other young talented drivers, such as his teammate, who are ready to make the next step.
 
Rutherford I agree but he is still hoping he can land the Ferrari seat because Vettel does not want a very fast teammate and made it clear

Renault for Hulkenberg represents probably his last chance to make a name for himself in F1
 
More importantly he has outqualified Carlos Sainz I think its 6-1 now and Sainz is rated as one of the hottest properties in F1 and lined up to be promoted at Red Bull if Ricciardo leaves

Hulkenberg is showing he can be a No1 at the moment , I just hope Renault deliver a car where he can finally show his full potential
 
for me his talent has never been in question, ive always felt he can be a race winner & championship challenger as he has undoubted talent. but on perez & maybe Hulkenburg being too old, they are 28 & 30 they got many years left but perez isn't about age he just hasn't impressed in the force india enough for people to talk about him. but Hulkenburg can still deliver look at Lewis is driving at his best at 33 & Kimi having a renaissance at 38. then Mansell & hill won their titles at 39 & 36, Schumacher final title came 35. still got Monaco (provisional) pole at nearly 43
 
look at Lewis is driving at his best at 33
teabagyokel said that Hamilton has been beaten by Bottas in 5 of the last 6 races. It's funny how people celebrate when he wins 5 races in a row, but stuff like this is shoved under the carpet. Considering that Bottas isn't regarded to be a top driver and weaker than Rosberg, it makes Hamilton look terrible currently.
Hamilton is just as hyped up as Alonso.

Back to topic: Hülkenberg, solid race result.
 
looking a few stats came across one 1 that Hulkenburg & Perez are currently 5th & 6th on most races without a win with 149 & 148 starts. if they are still in F1 by 2021 then by 10th round I assume Germany or Hungary. then they will take Andrea de chesris unwanted record which we all thought wouldnt be beaten. as most expierenced driver without a win on 209
 
unfortunately Hulkenberg does not bring a lot of money which is way the podium still eludes him - he missed out on some competitive cars

Unless it rains he will never get a podium with the front 3 so far in front
 
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