The Force India driver is off to his best ever start to a season, holding off reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel for fifth place with 47 points from six rounds.
The German has scored 27 more points than his Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, courtesy five top-six finishes but without a podium to go with it. Perez, on the other hand, got one opportunity to shine and he made the most of it with a third place in Bahrain.
The safety car put paid to Hulkenberg's hopes at Sakhir and he ended up fifth in a thrilling night race. However, the most remembered "what if" moment of the 26-year-old's career came in the 2012 season finale in Brazil, where he led a spectacular wet race before an error pushed him down to fifth.
The following season saw him move to Sauber and the "sought after" buy looked set for a breakthrough 2014 until uncertainty at Lotus made him opt for Force India.
Asked whether choosing Force India was the correct decision in hindsight, Hulkenberg said, "It is not relevant anymore. I have spent most of my career with Force India therefore returning was like homecoming. I am happy and proud of the way the season is shaping up and the team is hungry for more success.
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