Hulkenberg admits Force India situation is hard

The German, tipped as one of the sport's up-and-coming stars, looks set for a tough season after his team was the last to hit the track with its 2015 car in testing.

Force India arrived in Australia with just one test done with the VJM08, and although he scored points in Melbourne, Hulkenberg retired in China after finishing in 14th place in Malaysia.

He was also knocked out in Q1 in Shanghai.

With Force India announcing that the planned B-spec car will not be introduced at least until the Austrian GP, the eighth round of the season, Hulkenberg is facing more pain in the upcoming races.

"It's actually quite a difficult situation," said Hulkenberg ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"We are going to have to wait some time for improvements, so it is a hard time.

"It's never been like this in my career before."

Hulkenberg, who will compete with Porsche in the Le Mans 24 Hours, insisted he is not giving up on his season despite the problems he is facing.

"Of course I'm not where I want to be, but you also have to put things in perspective," he said.

"There are many drivers who have been in this situation, so how unprofessional would it be if, after one month of the nine, you stick your head in the sand after three races?"