9) Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg has for a long time been highly rated around the F1 paddock and beyond, and once again proved time and again why he is rated so highly. He outscored his Sahara Force India team-mate Sergio Perez by 96 points to 56, and despite the Mexican securing the teams’ best result of the year in Bahrain, it was Hulkenberg who was the more consistent points scorer.
When the Force India was good, especially in the opening rounds, Hulkenberg was a consistent points scorer, and it was the Hungarian Grand Prix in July before the German failed to score anything. Despite his fine form, he could still not take his maiden podium finish, with his best finish being fifth, a position he would take in Malaysia, Bahrain, Monaco and Canada.
Unfortunately Force India could not keep up the development of their car, and his performances in both qualifying and the races dropped away, although he continued to challenge for the points, only missing out on a top ten finish on four occasions all year.
His first non-finish was at the Hungaroring, when he lost control of his car heading into the final corner and crashing into the barrier, narrowly avoiding collecting Perez in the process. His only other retirement was at Austin when he had his sole car failure of the year, while he missed out on points at both Monza and Sochi.
Hulkenberg will remain with Force India for 2015, a deal that was announced relatively early in the silly season rumours, and will be looking to push on. He remains one of the brightest talents in the field, and consistently finishes strongly. He is also broadening his horizons next year, debuting in the World Endurance Championship with the LMP1 Porsche squad.
