Nico Hülkenberg engaged in a question-and-answer game more linked to his private life and in particular, to his first times.
The one who is now one of the most experienced drivers on the grid remembers, in particular, having hooked up with Formula 1 following the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, well remembered for his famous pile-up at the start…
Who was your first hero when you were a child?
Ayrton Senna !
What is the first Grand Prix you remember watching?
It was Spa, in 1998, when the big accident occurred on the first lap. Later in the race, Schuey (Michael Schumacher) crashed into the back of DC (David Coulthard) and ultimately, I believe Damon Hill won in the Jordan. Quite an entertaining race. It was a great experience, which I will never forget.
How old were you when you first decided you wanted to become an F1 driver?
It was at the age of seven, after discovering karting.
When did you have your first big accident in a racing car?
It was quite early, while I was go-karting. But I never got seriously injured.
What color was your first helmet?
Ah, I remember it well – it was a bright yellow helmet that looked way too big from the outside. I looked a bit like a Martian with a yellow head!
When did you win your first racing trophy and what did it look like?
My first trophy was won in my second karting race. It was only a small trophy, but I was still very proud and very happy about it.
What was the first road car you drove?
It must have been my mother’s Volkswagen Golf.
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What was the first house you lived in?
My family’s home in my hometown of Emmerich. This is where I was born.
Were you nervous the day you started school?
I don’t remember it very well, but I think I was a little nervous. But I arrived at school at the same time as some friends, so it wasn’t too bad.
What was the first meal you prepared?
To be honest, I have no idea. It was probably schupfnudeln (a type of German noodle dish) in a pan – easy for an ambitious young chef to make [rires] !
What was the first thing you did after securing your first place in F1?
I immediately called my parents to tell them about it.
What was the first pop record you bought?
Well… I would say I bought it when I first took part in an international karting race in Italy. It was in Corridonia. I was just a guest, but I took pole position and beat guys like Robert Kubica and the other Nico (Nico Rosberg), which was pretty cool and definitely worth it. famous ! It must have been something Italian… a crybaby [rires] !
What was the first sport you played as a child?
Football, but I had to give it up due to lack of talent. It wasn’t going very well…
When did you have your first romantic kiss?
I was a teenager, around 17 years old.
When was the first time you were asked to sign an autograph for a fan?
Umm – that’s a tough question. I’m not sure, but it must be from the beginning of my single-seater career, so around 2005, I would say.
When did you taste champagne for the first time?
I have no memory of it! I don’t like it.
What would you eat first – fruit or a piece of chocolate?
Chocolate – I have a sweet tooth.
What was the first word you said when you were a baby?
I don’t know at all, but I think it wasn’t “auto” [rires] !
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