Nico Hulkenberg says he is “at peace” with his Formula 1 career even if he would have liked a better record.
The German finds himself without a drive on the grid for the first time since 2011, having lost his seat at Renault to Esteban Ocon for this season.
And while Hulkenberg isn’t ruling out a return in the future, the fact he has managed to enjoy a decade-long stint in F1 during an era when pay drivers have had more sway is, for him, an achievement by itself.
“I’ve done my business, I’ve really performed well over the years, very consistently,” he told RaceFans.
“[There were] many times when it was on the verge or other people didn’t get hired or get a job but I still was wanted and then hired and paid to drive. So that also speaks for some quality.”
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Hulkenberg, though, sees himself leaving F1 with a legacy as a great talent who never really had a car to match it and with the notable tag as the man with the most race starts without ever scoring a podium.
“Of course I would like to have a different kind of record and more points on there, podium or victories,” he admitted.
“But I know why, the reasons and why things maybe didn’t go that way, but I’m at peace with myself.
“I sleep well at night with my eyes closed. I’d love to continue racing but if not then life goes on.”