Nico Hulkenberg admits a different outcome at the 2012 Brazilian GP might have changed the course of his Formula 1 career.
The German’s 10-year stay on the grid came to an end of his past season after he lost his seat at Renault to Esteban Ocon for 2020.
His legacy is one of a talent unfulfilled having never had the opportunity to prove himself with a top team or even stood on the podium in that time.
A damp race at Interlagos seven years ago, however, was arguably his best chance not just for a podium but also a victory as he led comfortably before ultimately colliding with Lewis Hamilton.
And after reflecting on that race, he was asked if a win that day could have led to a move to Ferrari, as was speculated for 2014, or another leading team.
“Maybe, possibly,” he told Crash.net. “It’s always difficult to tell what would’ve happened in that situation. I don’t know.”
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Interestingly, when thinking about which decision hurt his career most, Hulkenberg pointed to his move the following year.
“Not all moves were right or perfect,” he explained. “The difficult thing in Formula 1 is that you take a decision like six-to-eight months before you get there with things changing and it’s difficult to predict where things will turn out.
“I always felt that with hindsight it’s easy to say but that change to Sauber in 2013 was, while it was a good second half of the season, I think all in all that move maybe was not the best for my career.”
As it is, the 32-year-old now faces entering a different stage in his career with no plans to race anywhere currently in 2020.
“It’s going to be a shock,” Hulkenberg acknowledged.
“Since I’ve been seven I’ve been in this racing world, environment. [I’ve] always aimed for Formula 1 from seven pretty much, which is when you start to think and memorise stuff, so it’s been my life.
“[I’ve been] here for 10 years and now it’s going to be a break or a cut, so it is going to be a shock to the system.
“But in a way that’s exciting for me: see how I cope with that, see where my interest goes and what happens here. It’s exciting itself, that fact.”
And while Hulkenberg may well be remembered for his lack of success, he insists simply competing in F1 has been worth it.
“It’s been a big part of my life. I’ve taken part in 177 races, experienced that, which only a very small number of people in the world can say,” he added.
“I grew up in racing and then in Formula 1 is when you come in as a young adult. It’s a sport, it’s a business, it’s so many things at once.
“And to grow up in here is quite special and unique. I’ve learned a lot from a lot of people, made friends – who I think I’ll be friends with beyond the paddock and beyond racing – so a lot [to take away].”
