Nico Hulkenberg denies that he has become Renault's number two driver and still has complete confidence in himself.
Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg is very highly rated by fellow professionals, but has still never stood up on the podium.
The German driver has been talking about his and Renault's position this season.
"At the moment, we're still quite far away," Hulkenberg told GrandPrix247.com.
"In Canada, we were lapped by the top six guys, which is obviously a lot, a big gap.
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"But you need to see the progression since Renault came back. From last year to this, we've made really good improvements."
Since Carlos Sainz Jr's arrival at Renault, it's almost acted as a wake-up call for Hulkenberg to improve his own personal performance.
Hulkenberg denies this, though:
"I don't really agree with that," Hulkenberg claims.
"I think last year, yes, I was more comfortable, let's say I was always clear. But I don't feel that having a team mate closer to you makes you find extra stuff."
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"Looking back at last year, I'm pretty confident that there was not once instance in qualifying or the race where I underperformed because of that.
"I don't see it because of my own ambition, my own challenge is to always get the best out of me and my car. I don't need someone to push me to do that. I'm German, I'm a machine, I just do my job!"
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Miami Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
04:30 PM
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Saturday 02.05.26
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Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:30 PM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
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Sunday 03.05.26
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