Hulkenberg believes it is 'too soon' to receive praise

Nico Hulkenberg insists he is "happy" with his start to the 2018 Formula One season in which he has secured three consecutive P7 places on the grid in Australia, Bahrain, and China, but refuses to accept praise, saying it is "too soon" to receive plaudits.

The Renault man has been admirably consistent in the early stages of the campaign and is currently situated seventh in the driver rankings with 22 points taken so far.

He has outperformed team-mate Carlos Sainz in all three GP races so far, and is gaining a reputation as being up there with Fernando Alonso as the best midfield driver. He does not want any premature praise however due to it being so early in the campaign.

"Yeah, I think so. I think I feel pretty confident and happy, and these cars now with more downforce since last year’s generation of cars, probably it favours me more." Hulkenberg said.

"At the moment I do feel with all the seasons I’ve done, the experience, probably I’m doing amongst the best driving that I’ve ever produced.

"So far I’m happy, but don’t praise the season too soon."

Hulkenberg currently holds the unwanted record for the most races started without claiming a podium spot, but 'The Hulk' claims that this does not play on his mind when behind the wheel.

"It’s how the sport is, so you can’t really get too frustrated about that," he added.

"Of course sometimes you run out of patience and you don’t like to see it, but there’s not so much you can do."