Nico admitted at the end of last season that moving from Force India to Sauber had not been an easy choice, saying he had been swung by Sauber being "very strong for podiums" in the early stages of 2012.
After four races however Hulkenberg has scored just two points finishes, with eighth in Malaysia his best result. Meanwhile Force India has comfortably outmatched that, with Paul di Resta in the hunt for a podium in Bahrain and Sutil only hampered by bad luck.
Its far to early to tell (far far far to early) but I'm wondering if Nico is regretting his decision. It makes you wonder why he moved to Sauber in the first place? Did he go from a Merc powered car to a Ferrari one in the hope that this may lead to a Ferrari drive? Or did he simply believe Sauber is the better option for the future.
Only time will tell if this was a good move, a sideways one or a backwards one, but with a very poor team mate its not like he can stand out that much in the short term.
discuss
Has Hulkenberg made a mistake?
posted on 24/4/13
He signed with Sauber because they were willing to give him a multi-year contract without needing to bring money. Force India wanted money and they only name the drivers right before the season. I am sure he would rather have the Force India this year but all in all I think he did the best thing for his career. The next top drive that comes along he has to be first in line.
posted on 24/4/13
Also in Malaysia for a couple of laps he was setting purple laps and sectors. Considering how poor the Sauber is, that is incredible. It didn't last very long because the intense heat dried the track quickly which negated his advantage. In drying conditions nobody can get near Hulkenberg, so he still has the chance to stand out. In dry conditions though you are right, all he can do is crush Gutierrez.
posted on 24/4/13
nsix
hindsight is a wonderful thing and i suppose NH did believe sauber would be the stronger option this year after 2012 --
believe he did talk with ferrari last year so he is probably on domenicali"s short list if massa does not come up to scratch this year --
i dont think it matters whether he drives for sauber or force india this year as neither of them are going to win jack , however NH is to talented a driver not to get a top drive in the future ,
having the ferrari donkey in his sauber may possibly result in domenicali keeping a closer eye on him than if he were still with force india --
posted on 24/4/13
Hulkenberg certainly is a talent which deserves more but I guess at 25 theres no immediate rush.
I hope he gets a real chance in the coming seasons.
posted on 24/4/13
comment by N_six0six (U13776)
posted 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
Hulkenberg certainly is a talent which deserves more but I guess at 25 theres no immediate rush.
I hope he gets a real chance in the coming seasons.
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Agreed
posted on 2/5/13
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator