• Brazilian Grand Prix

Fifth still a 'super result' for Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg collided with Lewis Hamilton attempting to retake the lead © Getty Images

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• News:
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• Report:
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• Race:
• Brazilian Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Nico Hülkenberg

• Teams:
• Racing Point

Nico Hulkenberg described fifth place in the Brazilian Grand Prix as "a super result" despite leading the race at one stage.

A good start and strong opening stint saw Hulkenberg chasing the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in damp conditions, and he and Button were left clear of the field after remaining on slicks when the rain relented. However, a safety car bunched up the pack and Hulkenberg dropped behind Hamilton before hitting the McLaren when trying to retake the lead.

Hulkenberg was given a drive through penalty for the incident but said that fifth place was "still a super result" in his last race for Force India having been involved in the battle for victory.

"That was a lot of fun - very entertaining and there was so much happening all the time!" Hulkenberg said. "We had a great chance to finish on the podium today, but it slipped away, which is a shame. In the early laps it was difficult to keep the car on the track in the very damp conditions, but it was not really wet enough for intermediates and I stuck with the slicks. It was the right decision and soon I was leading the race.

"I felt comfortable but eventually I made a small mistake and Lewis got ahead of me. I managed to stay with him and was fighting to get the lead back when we touched. It's hard to say what happened but I was making a move going into turn one and had a slightly loose rear. I was about to turn in and suddenly there was contact. It's a shame for both of us because we were having a great battle. I managed to keep going but I had lost a lot of time. Fifth place is still a super result to end the season and I think the team did an excellent job this weekend. I hope they enjoyed the race - it's a nice leaving present in my last race."

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