Nico Hulkenberg is under no illusions of the challenge that faces him alongside Daniel Ricciardo at Renault in 2019, but only sees his arrival as “positive”.
Last Friday came the surprising news that the Australian would be leaving Red Bull after five years for a “fresh challenge” at the French manufacturer, replacing his current stablemate Carlos Sainz.
While the response to his decision has been mixed, for the German, it is an opportunity to once again live up to his reputation as a great driver who has never had the chance to race at the front.
“Daniel is a great driver and a man who can do everything,” Hulkenberg told Bild.
“I do not have to hide from the challenge that awaits me, but for me, having such a great teammate is only positive.”
“It also shows how serious Renault is if you’re one of the drivers to get the top three in.”
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Despite winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche in 2015, Hulkenberg holds the dubious record of the most F1 starts without a podium finish after spent much of his career in the midfield at teams like Williams, Sauber and Force India.
His switch to Renault last season was seen as his last chance to reach the potential many believe he has, but with easily one of the top six best drivers on the grid now expected to drive the French manufacturer forward, it will be interesting to see how the ‘Hulk’ responds.
