Hulkenberg has to be at "top of his game" against Ricciardo

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that he will have to be at "the top of his game" with the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo for the 2019 season.

Ricciardo's announcement in the summer, shocked the Formula 1 world, with the Aussie seemingly taking a step down from Red Bull Racing to Renault.

Hulkenberg, for the first time in his Renault tenure, may not be the #1 driver; but the German is determined to be at the "top of his game" to try and keep that status very much alive.

"I have to be at the top of my game, I would say. I don't think I have to raise my game," Hulkenberg told RaceFans. "I always feel that I want to get everything out of myself and if I do my homework right usually I perform pretty well and it's enough to beat my team-mate but for sure, with him coming; it's a big challenge.

"He's fast, he's good in all of the aspects, he's a grand prix winner, a multiple one. I just have to work at my very best and be hungry and consistent."

Carlos Sainz Jr. has been Hulkenberg's team-mate in recent times, and although the Spaniard has impressed at times; it has mostly been the Hulk as Renault's main man. But that may be about to change.

The pressure could have a positive affect on the German driver; and could we finally see a podium finish for Hulkenberg in 2019?