Hulkenberg thinks shyness hurt F1 career

Nico Hulkenberg – it's results that count and Nico has zero. Zero podiums in his entire F1 career

(GMM) Nico Hulkenberg thinks shyness might have held him back in Formula 1.

Since 2010, the 32-year-old has driven for Williams, Force India, Sauber and Renault, but he has lost his seat for 2020 and is struggling to find another.

Holding the record as the longest-serving F1 driver without a single podium, the German thinks his former shyness may have held him back.

"I used to be less social than I am today," he told Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

"I didn't talk much with people but I think being more open and communicative would have helped."

Hulkenberg also blames F1's typical "politics" for leaving him struggling to find a seat.

"Unfortunately, there are many factors and influences that as a driver takes things out of your hands," he said. "There's a lot of politics in Formula 1.

"But maybe I used to be too shy as well, and that came across as arrogance."