2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has pinpointed Nico Hulkenberg as a driver who was billed as the “biggest talent” but failed to “live up” to expectations.
Hulkenberg began his career in the sport in 2010 for Williams, securing his sole pole position in his maiden season, but he hasn’t taken one podium in 227 race starts.
But he’s become an established name in the midfield and his exploits since returning with Haas in 2023 have earned him a works seat with the soon-to-be Audi squad.
However, Rosberg expressed his disbelief at how his German compatriot has never been fortunate enough to step onto the rostrum, holding an unwanted record in F1.
“It’s unbelievable that Nico Hulkenberg has never been on the podium,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1.
“He was the biggest talent coming up in Formula 3, Formula 2, and showed glimpses of absolute genius in Formula 1.
“But, somehow, [he] never lived up to that expectation, apart from again this year, where he really seemed to be so special out there, maximising the car all the time.
“In qualifying, you would say he’s one of the best qualifiers from the whole grid this year, it’s been amazing to watch.”
‘Burned bridges’ cost Hulkenberg
Hulkenberg has returned to Sauber, which will morph into Audi in 2026, this season after leaving Haas, where he will partner Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
The last time Hulkenberg drove for the Hinwil-based squad in 2013, a good season saw rumours materialise that he could move to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa.
But team boss at the time and now F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, opted for the 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen instead, resigning Hulkenberg to the midfield.
“If you show that you are one of the best, you will get to the lucky car, and he never really showed it,” Rosberg added.
“He was not the best socially, you know, social intelligence, working on the team bosses to get yourself in the right position, because he burned some bridges there, early in his career – that was one thing that he could have done better.
“And the other thing is that sometimes, he had these phases where he just wasn’t good enough, like Daniel Ricciardo beating him in Renault fair and square.
“And look at where Daniel Ricciardo is – turns out he wasn’t the very best either.”
READ MORE: Nico Hulkenberg: Sauber F1 return ‘going to be tough’
