Audi F1 reveals a strategic pivot as Hulkenberg discusses future with Wheatley and Binotto.
Nico Hulkenberg contacted Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto following Audi F1’s significant management reshuffle.
This weekend, Hulkenberg returns to Formula One at the Dutch Grand Prix driving for Haas F1, but next season he will switch to Sauber, which will transition to Audi F1 by 2026. However, the German powerhouse has already made pivotal changes to its management structure.
Red Bull’s Sporting Director, Wheatley, will join Audi as the new team director, while Ferrari’s former team principal, Binotto, steps in as CEO.
Andreas Seidl, the former CEO, and Oliver Hoffman, the chairman, have parted ways with Audi.
“The complete change in strategy, the departure of Seidl and Hoffman, was unexpected and significant news,” Hulkenberg admitted today in Zandvoort.
“Jonathan is highly capable, very skilled, coming from a dominant Red Bull. He will be a significant asset to the team and the project. I called him after the summer break.”
He also reached out to Binotto, who is making a return to F1 after leading Ferrari.
“It’s just starting now, after the summer break halt. It’s the beginning, he is coming in and needs to get a sense of the current situation, to understand the different departments.”
However, the German driver insisted that his focus remains on his current team rather than the activities of his future employer.
“No attention to these changes… Not much, let’s say. They are just phone calls, not much energy or attention. There’s always information when you network with people. It’s always interesting to know what’s happening in the paddock.”
“But I am still fully invested in this season. We aim to bounce back this weekend and, in the remaining races, score as many points as possible to secure seventh place. We dream of tackling sixth place, but it won’t be easy.”
“It’s not only up to us. It depends on what RB F1 does. If they are strong and scoring, it will be tough. If not… it could change the situation and the standings.”
Hulkenberg might have had Carlos Sainz as a teammate in 2025, but he ultimately decided to sign with Williams F1 before the holiday break began.
Was he surprised by Sainz’s choice?
“I wasn’t surprised. He deliberated for a long time and thought it over. I think there are other strategic reasons why he wants to position himself for the future. I think that played a very important role in his decision. So, obviously, I haven’t spent much time thinking about his decision. That’s how it is now, and the rest, we’ll see.”
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F1 Strategy Overhaul: Hulkenberg Confers with Audi Chiefs F1 Strategy Overhaul: Hulkenberg Confers with Audi Chiefs
