F1 | Hulkenberg: “No regrets for Mercedes, I'm happy to be at Renault”

Probably, had he not embraced the Renault project in advance, Nico Hulkenberg would have been the ideal replacement for Nico Rosberg. Apparently Mercedes also made a survey with Enstone to understand if there was room to open a negotiation, but the French company held on to the driver who had just signed the contract. Hulk, despite never finishing on the podium, is considered one of the most consistent and fastest drivers on the grid.

“Well with Nico Rosberg we did a lot of promotional events for Mercedes, maybe he could have told me in a whisper that he intended to retire as champion - Hulkenberg joked in an interview with Bild - Jokes aside, my goal was to drive for an official team and I'm satisfied to be at Renault. We both have goals to achieve. If you don't drive for Mercedes or Ferrari it's normal to unfortunately have less attention from the media, but I'm satisfied with my performances. My salary is 19 million euros? You're saying it, but I can tell you that from a financial point of view I'm purely German, I don't throw money away, I only like to take risks on the track"

Also at Bild Hulkenberg then spoke about the new single-seaters"I have never trained so much before a season. We know that the new cars will be much more physically demanding, as we will reach very high cornering speeds. You need to train your neck muscles well especially."

Antonino Rendina