Nico Hulkenberg makes 'many points' Gabriel Bortoleto concession

Nico Hulkenberg has acknowledged that he has learned from rookie Gabriel Bortoleto at "many points" over the current F1 season.

The 38-year-old, who has just completed his 12th full campaign since making his debut in 2010, has considerably more experience than his Stake team-mate, but he was quick to highlight how "impressive" the young Brazilian has been.

Hulkenberg has outscored Bortoleto 51 points to 19, with half the difference as a result of his maiden podium finish at the British Grand Prix.

However, in qualifying, it has been considerably closer between the pair, with the pair tied 12-12 in grand prix qualifying in their head-to-head record.

Further still, the German trailed the 20-year-old 11-6 until the former made strides in performance over one lap and the latter suffered a late-season dip in form, which evened the score.

It is well established that drivers often learn a considerable amount from the other side of the garage during their first season in F1, but Hulkenberg has explained the benefit has been mutual at Stake.

When asked by media, including RacingNews365, if he had learned anything from Bortoleto this year, He replied: "Absolutely.

"Being a rookie doesn't mean you can’t perform or you don't know how to drive. I mean, we all were rookies at one point. You've got to start at one point in F1."

Providing some details on where Bortoleto's strengths lie, Hulkenberg admitted he had picked up lessons from his young team-mate and that they regularly share information across the team, which will become Audi next year.

"And for sure, Gabi's been very impressive on the driving side — driving inputs, driving techniques as well — it's something that he's really strong at," he added.

"So to be honest, there have been many points this year where I learned from him. We bounce off each other, looking at each other's data.

"Just, yeah, absolutely, yes."