The First Time - with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg

Formula One drivers are among the most accomplished and skilled sports people on the planet, but how good are their memories? In the first of a new series that aims to help you get to know the world’s greatest drivers a little better, we asked Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg to think back and remember some of the ‘firsts’ in his life…

Who was your first hero when you were a child?

Nico Hulkenberg: Ayrton Senna

What was the first Grand Prix you can remember watching?

NH: That was when I went to Spa in 1998, when the big accident happened on Lap 1. Later in the race Schuey (Michael Schumacher) ran into the back of DC (David Coulthard) and eventually I think Damon Hill won in the Jordan. Quite an entertaining race. It was an awesome experience, one which I will never forget.

How old were you when you first decided you wanted to be an F1 driver?

NH: That was when I was seven, after I discovered karting.

When was your first big accident in a race car?

NH: That was quite early on during my time in karting. But I’ve never hurt myself badly.

What colour was your first helmet?

NH: Ah, that I do remember well - it was a bright yellow helmet which looked way too big from the outside. I looked a bit like a Martian with a yellow head!

When did you win your first trophy in racing and what did it look like?

NH: My first trophy came with my second kart race. It was only a small trophy, but I was still super proud and super happy about it.

What was the first road car you drove?

NH: That must have been my Mum´s Volkswagen Golf.

Where was the first house you lived in?

NH: My family’s house in my hometown of Emmerich. It’s where I was born.

How nervous were you on your first day of school?

NH: I don't remember that well, but of course I think I was a little nervous. But I got to school the same time as some friends, so it wasn´t too bad.

What was the first meal you ever cooked?

NH: I have no idea to be honest, most likely it was schupfnudeln (a type of German noodle dish) in a pan - easy to make for an ambitious young chef! (laughs)

What was the first thing you did this morning?

NH: Being plagued with jetlag, it was staring at the ceiling. Counting sheep was long gone!

What was the first thing you did after getting your first seat in F1?

NH: I immediately called my parents to tell them about it.

Q: What was the first pop record you bought?

NH: Well… I would say I bought it when I raced for the first time internationally in karting in Italy. It was in Corridonia. I was only a guest starter but I stuck it on pole and beat guys like Robert Kubica and the other Nico (Nico Rosberg), which was kind of pretty cool - and definitely worth a treat. It must have been something Italian…some tearjerker. (laughs)

What was the first sport you participated in as a kid?

NH: Football, but I had to surrender due to a lack of talent. It wasn´t going very well...

When was your first romantic kiss?

NH: When I was a teenager, about 17 years-old.

When was the first time you were asked to sign an autograph for a fan?

NH: Umm - that’s a difficult one. I’m not sure but it must go back to the start of my single-seater career, so around 2005 I would say.

When did you first taste champagne?

NH: I’ve got no memories of that as I don't like it.

Which would you eat first - a piece of fruit or a piece of chocolate?

NH: Chocolate - I have a sweet tooth.

What was the first word you said as a baby?

NH: I absolutely don't know, but my guess is it wasn’t ‘auto’! (laughs)