Hulkenberg believes Renault were unlucky with safety car timing

After finishing P7 in the season opening Australian Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg believes that he was unfortunate with the safety car timing, although admits he is “happy” with the weekend.

Hulkenberg started seventh on the grid but was overtaken by Daniel Ricciardo on lap five.

After both Haas cars retired, Hulkenberg pitted from sixth place and rejoined tenth.

He was jumped in the pit-stop phase by McLaren’s Fernando Alonso as the Spaniard pitted during the virtual safety car for Romain Grosjean’s stricken Haas, leaving him in seventh after the pit window closed, and he stayed there until the chequered flag.

Hulkenberg said: “We should be pretty happy with today. The pace of the car was strong and competitive, but we know we still have a lot of work to do.

“I’m happy with how the weekend has progressed, Friday wasn’t great for me, but we’ve turned it into a decent result and a satisfying Sunday.

“We got lucky with retirements, but also unlucky with the safety car, but that’s racing and taking six points home is a just reward for the team’s hard work.”

Hulkenberg is in his second season with Renault, and after finishing tenth last season, he is hoping to be closer to the front runners in 2018.