Ricciardo comparison will determine Hulkenberg's future

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that his future within Formula 1 could largely be dependant on how he performs alongside new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo with Renault this season, as he attempts to finally make his way on to a podium after a record amount of races without a top three finish.

Before the end of the 2018 season, Renault announced the acquisition of Ricciardo which was seen by many as a coup for the French outfit, who hold aspirations of breaking into the top three this campaign.

Hulkenberg thinks that his race results compared to Ricciardo, who is a multiple race winner, will provide an accurate measuring point for how good he can be within F1.

"This is much more real or good to compare, I think," he said at the launch of Renault's 2019 car.

"So for me personally and very important here to see how I stand up next to that. That will determine also my sporting future in a way."

The German currently holds the record for the most amount of races started without stepping foot on a podium, but he remains hopeful that he can finally put the unwanted stat to bed this season.

"Obviously, ultimately I would like a car that allows me to finally step on a podium. We're obviously working on it," he continued.

"For this year having worked more on it and having spent more time with the designers rearranging stuff - looms, electronic boxes - it is probably the best driver fit. I'm lower in the car too.

"When you're lower you have less air turbulence, life's a bit quieter down there, centre of gravity lower. Little things, but it's always about little things."

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