Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg said he didn’t know whether to “laugh or cry” after an eventful Brazilian Grand Prix.
The race, which featured several red flags and safety car periods, looked set to be a good one for Hulkenberg after a strong qualifying.
Both Hulkenberg and team-mate Sergio Perez made up ground in the opening part of the race, but he picked up a puncture and dropped back.
The German driver eventually recovered to seventh place, but it could have been a much stronger result – even a top three finish.
“That was an intense race and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because I think a possible podium slipped away,” he explained.
“I had great confidence in the car, felt comfortable and I had the pace to push and overtake. There were some scary moments in the race, especially when Kimi crashed in front of me.
“Some of his debris hit my car and caused a lot of damage. At least I survived that, but then I picked up a puncture from the debris, which was so frustrating because it dropped me down to the back of the field.
“Without the puncture, who knows where I might have finished? I’m happy and proud of myself and the team. We did a great job, but we were just missing a bit of luck.”
