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It has been announced this morning by the Sahara Force India Formula One Team has confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will continue to race with team for 2015 despite them saying that they would wait a few days on news on Ferrari’s driver line up for 2015.
Hulkenberg returned to Sahara Force India at the start of 2014 and has enjoyed his most successful Formula One season to date. With points finishes in 13 races, including four fifth place finishes, Nico remains one of the most exciting drivers on the Formula One grid.
In a press release issued by the Sahara Force India Formula One Team this morning, Team Principal and Managing Director Vijay Mallya stated the following on retaining Hulkenberg for next season:-
‘Everybody in the team is delighted to see Nico remain a Sahara Force India driver for next season. We rate him very highly and he has done a tremendous job this year by consistently picking up crucial championship points.
‘We know him extremely well: he’s a true racer and he knows how to motivate the team. I am convinced he is one of the best talents on the grid and I am proud that he will continue to race in the colours of Sahara Force India.’
It is clear that Mallya believes that Hulkenberg is a very talented driver, is consistent and reliable, has performed very well this year and everyone in the team is happy to see him being retained for next season. As Mallya says, he has had a working relationship with Nico for a few years now and both parties are happy with the arrangement to continue into next year and build on what they have achieved this season.
Further on in the same press release issued this morning, Hulkenberg is happy to remain with the team for the 2015 season. Hulkenberg stated the following:-
‘It’s good to confirm my plans for next season. This is a team I know extremely well and we’ve enjoyed a great year together with some special results. The team has big ambitions and I believe we can have a competitive package once again next year.
‘We have a strong partner in Mercedes and everyone in the team is motivated and hungry for more success. I have a good feeling for 2015 and there is a lot to be excited about as we try to build on the results we have achieved this year.’
As I have argued over the past few years, Hulkenberg is a talented driver and he deserves to be in the most competitive car available. With the current status of the driver market, maybe at this moment in time Force India is the best fit for him. And it is not a bad outcome either as the team is building upon their performances season on season.
But I do believe that if Hulkenberg does not get the call to a top team say for example Ferrari next season, it will be a great shame as he more than proved that he is capable and truly deserves to be with a team like Ferrari. And I hope the opportunity comes his way because if it does, he will grab it with both hands and show once again just how fast he really is in a racing car.
But it would seem for 2015 at least, Hulkenberg is happy to remain with the Force India team and believes that the team have the best atmosphere, have got some credible results under their belts and have the potential to improve next season. And they very well just might do that and surprise us all once again.
