Rosberg critiques Hülkenberg’s F1 journey, questioning his missed podiums and whether he ever justified a top-team opportunity.
Nico Rosberg is surprised that Nico Hülkenberg has never reached the podium since his Formula 1 debut in 2010. The 2016 world champion, however, holds the future Audi F1 driver in high regard.
“It’s incredible that Nico Hülkenberg has never made it onto the podium,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1. “He was the biggest talent coming out of Formula 3 and Formula 2 and showed glimpses of absolute brilliance in Formula 1.”
“But somehow, he’s never lived up to those expectations, except perhaps this year, where he’s looked truly special on track, consistently optimizing the car. In qualifying, you could argue he’s been one of the best on the grid this year—it’s amazing to watch.”
Rosberg believes his compatriot hasn’t managed every aspect of his career effectively and notes moments that damaged Hülkenberg’s reputation: “If you show you’re one of the best, you’ll get the opportunity with the right car, but he never really showed that.”
“He wasn’t the best socially, you know—social intelligence, working with team bosses to position yourself in the right place—because he burned a few bridges early in his career. That’s something he could have done better.”
“The other thing is that sometimes, he just wasn’t good enough. Like when Daniel Ricciardo beat him fair and square at Renault. And look at where Daniel Ricciardo is now—it turns out he wasn’t the best either.”
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Hülkenberg’s Podium Absence: Rosberg Questions F1 Career Path Hülkenberg’s Podium Absence: Rosberg Questions F1 Career Path
