Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg’s unwanted record of holding the most F1 starts without scoring a podium finish is perhaps one of the most anomalous statistics in the sport’s recent history.

For a driver who stuck Williams on pole at Interlagos in the wet in 2010 and battled for victory in a Force India at the same track two years later, it seems unfathomable that Hulkenberg has never finished in the top three. Alas, circumstances have made it so for the German.

But 2018 looks set to be Hulkenberg’s best chance yet to right this wrong. Renault has been rebuilding quickly with its factory F1 operation since returning to the sport with a works team in 2016, going on a vast recruitment drive at both Enstone and Viry. New facilities have been created as it looks to emulate Mercedes’ achievements and become the next manufacturer to beat in F1.

An impressive pre-season has put Renault fourth-fastest in most pre-season predictions, giving Hulkenberg a good chance to fight at the front where possible. The pressure will be on for him to not only take advantage of any opportunities that may come his way, but also get the edge on teammate Carlos Sainz Jr., another driver ready for his shot at the big time.

Hulkenberg has served his time as a possible future F1 star. He’ll turn 31 in August, and needs to get a move on if he is to make good on the potential we saw through the early part of his career.