Nico Hülkenberg: “A great last race with the team”

Arrived in 2017 within the French team, Nico Hulkenberg saw his period in yellow end yesterday with a race without points but inevitably with particular emotion.

Not retained by the Losange for 2020, and replaced by Esteban Ocon for the next campaign, the German will have been largely dominated by Daniel Ricciardo in 2019, however making a real contribution to 5th place Manufacturers.

Threatened by Toro Rosso for the championship position, Renault however, makes sure to stay in the wake of McLaren on the season’s honor roll.

“We gave everything we had today and it’s a shame to miss out on the points, confesses “Hülk”. The one-stop strategy was difficult to implement and my tires were degrading too much towards the end.

Despite everything, our pace was positive and we were in the match until the end. It was a great last race with the team. I crossed the finish line with joy.

I lived with them for three good years and we became very close, forming a family. I am grateful to them for all the ups and downs we have experienced together and I wish them every success in the future. »

A future which still remains uncertain even if the path Ferrari seems to be one of the options for the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent on the Yas Marina Circuit, in AUTO issue 2245hebdo, available this evening in digital version and this Monday.