Hulkenberg unhappy with his car despite early season promise

Nico Hulkenberg has expressed some frustrations with his Renault car, even though he is looking to be far more competitive than last year.

Hulkenberg finished seventh in the opening race in Australia but does not seem confident ahead of this week’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg said: “The balance is not good enough really, no. Balance wise and characteristics, it is not what we wanted to have and where we wanted to be.

“We are a bit behind expectations there I would say.”

It seems to be an issue for only the German, with team mate Carlos Sainz having a differing opinion, saying: “To be honest, in Australia I was feeling really, really comfortable in the car – a lot more comfortable than Barcelona.

“In Barcelona we were struggling to think we were going to fight the Haas and suddenly in Q2 (in Melbourne) I was ahead of them with that lap.

“I felt really comfortable and I hope we can bring this feeling into Bahrain.”