Rosberg points to 'bridge burner' in F1 who lacked 'social intelligence' to succeed

Nico Rosberg believes Nico Hulkenberg did not possess the "social intelligence" to get the most out of his F1 career, claiming he "burned some bridges" with team principals.

The 2016 F1 drivers' champion argued it is "unbelievable" Hulkenberg has never graced an F1 podium, suggesting he has not maximised on what was a promising junior career.

Upon leaving midfield-runner Haas at the end of the F1 season, the 37-year-old started life at back-markers Stake, which will become the full works Audi team come 2026.

In 227 grand prix started and counting, the German owns the record for most races in F1 without securing a top three finish.

There have been missed opportunities, including when he failed to convert an improbable pole position for Williams at Interlagos in 2010, his debut campaign, or at the 2019 German Grand Prix, when a mistake in tricky conditions robbed him of a likely podium finish for Renault in front of his home fans.

To Rosberg, it was not a lack of potential that has held Hulkenberg back, instead contending that he "never lived up to the expectation" placed upon him.

"It's unbelievable that Nico Hulkenberg has never been on the podium," the former Williams and Mercedes driver told Sky Sports F1. "He was the biggest talent coming up in Formula 3, Formula 2, and showed glimpses of absolute genius in Formula 1.

"But, somehow, [he] never lived up to that expectation, apart from again this year, where he really seemed to be so special out there, maximising the car all the time.

"In qualifying, you would say he's one of the best qualifiers from the whole grid this year, it's been amazing to watch.

"Of course, there's still question marks on his race pace and craft sometimes, but even there, this year, he's done well."

'And look at where Daniel Ricciardo is...'

Rosberg does not feel Hulkenberg's unfulfilled potential is down to misfortune, suggesting that drivers make their own luck in F1.

His compatriot came close to racing for a top team, such as Ferrari, but the move ultimately never materialised. 

"If you show that you are one of the best, you will get to the lucky car, and he never really showed it," the 39-year-old explained.

"Plus, he was not the best socially, you know, social intelligence, working on the team bosses to get yourself in the right position, because he burned some bridges there, early in his career - that was one thing that he could have done better."

In Rosberg's view, there have been times in which Hulkenberg has failed to make the grade.

The German had to accept years on the sidelines at Racing Point and Aston Martin after being let go by Renault at then end of 2019, but has enjoyed a renaissance at Haas since joining the American team in 2023.

"And the other thing is that sometimes, he had these phases where he just wasn't good enough, like Daniel Ricciardo beating him in Renault fair and square," His namesake added.

"And look at where Daniel Ricciardo is. Turns out he wasn't the very best either."