Editorial Ranking 2013: Nico Hülkenberg (6th)
To officially close the 2013 season and move towards 2014, the editorial team at MotorsInside invites you to revisit its top ten drivers of the past season. Let's continue climbing up the ranking with Nico Hülkenberg in sixth position.
Ses statistiques
10th in the overall ranking
51 points
0 victory
0 podium
0 fastest lap
Best qualification: 3rd (Italy)
Best race: 4th (South Korea)
Sa saison
Nico Hülkenberg received recognition from the entire F1 Circus this year. After two seasons – one as a test driver – with Force India, the German decided to join the Swiss team Sauber, which had managed to secure some podiums in 2012.
Unfortunately, the single-seater cannot get the Pirelli tires to work, and the German’s performances don’t allow him to truly shine, while his former team Force India is delivering good performances. At this point in the season, many may regret Nico Hülkenberg’s decision.
This impression of error will intensify further when Sauber’s financial problems are made public, and it will become apparent that “Hulk” was not receiving his salary.
But the return of the 2012 Pirelli tires will quickly help the Swiss team to right the ship, starting with the Monza Grand Prix with a very impressive fifth place finish by the German driver, starting from an equally impressive third position on the grid. From that moment on, Nico Hülkenberg will continue to deliver strong performances, allowing Sauber to climb to seventh place in the world championship, managing to hold off top contenders during a thrilling South Korean Grand Prix.
From a personal standpoint, Nico Hülkenberg was initially announced at Ferrari during the summer break. However, Kimi Räikkönen’s return to the Reds closed that door, while Lotus expressed their interest in the German driver. Unfortunately for him, this recruitment depended on investment funds that have yet to arrive, forcing the Enstone team to change their plans.
It’s finally with Force India, his previous team, that Nico Hülkenberg hopes to shine during a season where technical upheavals will be abundant. The Indian team recently stated that they aim for podiums and the fifth place in the constructors’ championship. We can only wish him to confirm the potential glimpsed in recent years.
The editorial opinion: Romain Mathon chose to highlight Nico Hülkenberg for his consistency and his brilliance at the end of the season. On Benoit Fraikin’s side, there is a desire to see him at the wheel of a top team, given that with a newly competitive car, Hülkenberg took the opportunity to deliver some very impressive races. Sarah Nuyens, on the other hand, congratulates Nico Hülkenberg for managing to hold his own against the two great champions, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, to finish in fourth place at the Korean Grand Prix.
The highlight of his season: who doesn’t remember this Korean Grand Prix, with that Sauber ahead of a Ferrari and a Mercedes. If one moment should represent Nico Hülkenberg’s season, it is indeed the Korean Grand Prix. Using settings geared towards top speed, the German managed to resist throughout the race against the overtaking attempts of Fernando Alonso, but also Lewis Hamilton. The German driver finished this race in fourth position, the best race of his career according to him. One can only agree.
Discover the other drivers in the editorial ranking:
