Driver

In his first three seasons in Formula 1, Nico Hulkenberg raced for three different teams and with each switch the German driver has made his mark in his three years in the sport. In his debut season with the iconic Williams team in 2010, he was paired up with the veteran Rubens Barrichello but stole the Brazilian's thunder when he claimed pole position at his teammate's home turf on a drying track. But it wasn't enough and Hulkenberg lost his seat to the pay driver situation that has haunted the sport. He was confirmed as Force India's test driver on 2011 but the team recognised his talent and upgraded him to a race seat for the following season. Teamed up with the established Paul di Resta, Hulkenberg rose up to the challenge and pipped the Scot in the standings. His performances in the latter half of the campaign were such that Sauber, the team's immediate rival, signed him up for 2013.