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Nico Hulkenberg excited to “close this chapter and open a new one”

Nico Hulkenberg excited to “close this chapter and open a new one”

05-12-2019 14:13

Bevan Youl

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that he is excited to “close this chapter and open a new one”, looking forward to leave racing for a while to figure out the next step in his career.

Hulkenberg took part in his last Formula 1 race for the foreseeable future at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, being replaced at Renault by Esteban Ocon for 2020, being unsuccessful to find another seat on the grid.
 
The German openly said no to any reserve or simulator roles but has not signed onto any other forms of racing, despite being linked bit IndyCar in America.
 
“I’ve known for a while that this was coming but I’m fine about it,” Hulkenberg said in Abu Dhabi.
 
“Also part of me is kind of excited about the times ahead, close this chapter and open a new one.
 
“What might happen and might not happen in the future, I don’t know, nobody knows right now.
 
“But for me obviously it’s good just to get away for a while and want to disconnect from racing for a few months and then see what I’m up to, where my head is and my heart, and reassess.”
 
The 32-year old still has a passion for racing but looks forward to his break coming up, having not had time away from the sport since a young age.
 
“It’s still fun at the moment and a big part of me is excited about that break that I’m going to get,” he added.
 
“Not living in this schedule, in this rhythm, having to do these things at these times that are preset.”
 
“I never had a break. Since I started, when I was seven, this has been my life, my world. So that’s a while, also 10 years here [in Formula 1].
 
“Of course it’s going to be very different, a new situation, and quite a shock as well. I’m sure there will be some moments that are quite hard as well, the ceiling will drop on my head, but it’s part of it.”