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Five Questions For Renault Sport Formula One Racer Nico Hulkenberg

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Lewis Hamilton has already captured his fourth Formula One World Driving Championship title. He did so at the 2017 Mexican Grand Prix a few weeks ago. Finishing ninth, he still amassed enough points to defeat his nemesis Sebastian Vettel, who also has four World Driving Championships.

Jim Clash

Making smaller news in October was the replacement of Jolyon Palmer on the Renault Sport team by the Spaniard Carlos Sainz, Jr. In Austin, TX, we caught up with Sainz’s new teammate, the German Nico Hulkenberg, to discuss the end-of-season Renault pairing as well as the state of Formula One in general. Going into the last race of the 2017 season in Abu Dhabi, Hulkenberg is in 12th in the points standings, Sainz, Jr., ninth.

Jim Clash: What does Carlos Sainz, Jr., bring to the Renault Sport team?

Nico Hulkenberg: I think he’s been great across his first three Grands Prix. He’s been fast from the get-go which is very impressive and means we are heading in a positive direction. It also means I have to keep on my toes and raise my game to be ahead of him, which is a challenge I relish.

Jim Clash

Clash: What features of America's Formula One track in Austin make it unique versus other tracks on the circuit? By all accounts, it is an amazing place.

Hulkenberg: Out of all the modern Formula One circuits, Austin is definitely my favorite and combines a lot of ingredients which we drivers love. The first sector [long, steep hill] is highly unique and extremely fun to drive. The sweeping S bends are similar to Maggots and Becketts at Silverstone and, in this year’s cars, are super quick and require a bit of grit.

Clash: What does Formula One need to do to make it more popular in America? Many say we need a competitive American driver in the series.

Hulkenberg: I think we saw a hint of the direction of Formula One in America with the pre-race razzamatazz in Austin this year. That was different – a bit strange to experience – but quite fun to be involved in. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of that in future U.S. Grands Prix.

Clash: What do you say to the criticism that there is not enough passing in Formula One, that it is just the teams in order of how strong they are circling the track? In NASCAR and IndyCar, both popular in America, there is passing on every lap.

Hulkenberg: I think there could be more excitement if regulations are adjusted to allow more overtaking. We drivers want to be challenged, and the fans want to be entertained. It’s a balance which must be found.

Clash: What would you personally like changed about the Formula One rule structure?

Hulkenberg: In fairness, I wouldn’t change too much. I miss the old engine sound, and I think it’s important to ramp up the volume on future cars. I’d like to see more competition with cars being easier to race so we can see more overtaking and exciting racing.

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