Nico Hulkenberg: I don't feel like I'm on the decline.

      In an interview with Blick, Nico Hülkenberg talked about his life, the coronavirus, teammate Bortoleto and the future of Audi…

      Question: At Silverstone you stood on the podium for the first time. Can that moment be called the best of your career?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Yes, without a doubt – it was a magical moment. What a race! Experiencing all of that with the team was simply amazing, and then the fans' reaction – it was incredible!

      Question: Weren't you tired of waiting so long for your first podium?

      Nico Hülkenberg: In Formula 1 you are extremely dependent on the car. You have to be patient here. I could have been on the podium earlier, but circumstances got in the way – my own mistakes or the wrong strategy. But I've been doing what I love for 15 years. I do my job and always try to get the most out of my opportunities.

      Question: So Lewis Hamilton was right when he once said that it was your own fault you hadn't been on the podium?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Yes, I think that was in 2012 when I collided with Lewis. I was too impulsive in that situation. I should have been on the podium.

      Question: Do you still dream of your first Grand Prix win?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Of course. That's the goal. We're working on it. There will be some changes in Formula 1 next year, and that's a good opportunity for all teams. We are focused on our work; we want to achieve more with Audi. I wouldn't expect us to be at the front right away. Of course, that would be great for us, for the Swiss, for Audi, for everyone. But I don't think it's realistic to expect that.

      Question: Are we seeing the best Hülkenberg ever?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Yes, I consider myself a consistent driver. Throughout my career I've always delivered good results, almost every year, regardless of the team, scoring points. Thanks to that experience I've reached a good level, possibly my peak. In any case, I don't feel like I'm on the decline.

      Question: Can it be said that the coronavirus pandemic saved your career?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Yes, you could put it that way. In any case, it opened new doors for me, brought new opportunities that made my return to racing possible.

      Question: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Of course, there are moments and decisions that now seem not to have been optimal or perhaps were wrong. But I consider that part of life too.

      Question: How would you assess your teammate Gabriel Bortoleto?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Gabriel is a very good driver. Strong, consistent. He learns quickly, is attentive, makes almost no mistakes, is extremely fast and already very good in his debut season. He has all the qualities to succeed in Formula 1. If he keeps this up, he has a successful career ahead of him.

      Question: Do you get on well with him?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Yes, absolutely. Besides being a fast driver, Gabriel is also a good person. Very polite and well-mannered.

      Question: Who was your worst teammate?

      Nico Hülkenberg: In Formula 1 I got on pretty well with everyone. I need to go back a bit. When I was racing in Formula 3 with Romain Grosjean, it always felt like a game of cat and mouse.

      Question: Next season everything will be different. What would your worst-case scenario be for 2026?

      Nico Hülkenberg: The worst case would be not enjoying racing. Of course, it all depends on pace. The worst scenario is if we turn out to be uncompetitive.

      Question: And the best?

      Nico Hülkenberg: The best scenario is a fast car with which we demolish everyone. Then people in Switzerland, in Germany and at Audi will all be happy.

      Question: Could Audi be the final team of your career?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Probably. But I don't have a long-term plan or an end goal. I'm too focused on the present and on what will happen next year.