Nico Hulkenberg doesn’t believe the all new driver line-up at Sauber will be a disadvantage during the 2013 season.
The Swiss outfit chose not to retain Kamui Kobayashi, whilst Sergio Perez replaced Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, leaving the team with a completely new line-up.
Former Force India driver Hulkenberg joins rookie Esteban Gutierrez, who has been with the Sauber team in a third driver capacity for two seasons.
“I don’t see any deficit [in having two new drivers] to be honest,” the German told the official F1 website. “Indeed I am new in the team, but not new in F1, and Esteban has gained experience as a test driver with Sauber so he is not new to them.
“I would say there is no deficit, but rather the chance to make good acquaintances.”
Hulkenberg also expects the pair to get equal treatment, despite having assumed the role of team leader thanks to his greater experience which includes a season with Williams in 2010.
“The fact that people are regarding me as the team leader doesn’t change much,” he said.
“At the Sauber F1 team both drivers get the same equipment and treatment. I will just work harder together with Esteban to bring the team forward.”
