Hulkenberg stands firm, dismissing doubts about his premature Audi F1 signing as the project faces scrutiny.
Nico Hulkenberg has dismissed claims that he signed prematurely with Audi F1 (currently Sauber/Stake), despite potentially better options being available.
The German manufacturer is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026 when new regulations come into force.
However, concerns about the progress of Stake F1 and instability within the top management of Audi’s Formula 1 project have emerged. So much so that Carlos Sainz declined to sign with them…
So, did Hulkenberg sign too early?
“I don’t think so. I didn’t see any opportunities for myself with the top four teams. My mind and conscience are calm and clear,” he responds.
“Every team always promises you the sky! We are doing this and that… But it’s clear that Audi is a quite powerful and significant brand globally. I know how seriously they are taking this, what they are investing and doing to ensure they are competitive and successful.”
“Moreover, the rule change in 2026 provides a very good opportunity for a new manufacturer to enter. It’s a reset with resources, manpower, budget, and brand power. It’s an exciting project for me and my career.”
This week, Mattia Binotto hired Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s sporting director, as team principal for 2025, making the proposition very different from what Hulkenberg initially thought he had signed up for.
Hulkenberg admitted he was initially shocked by the news that Audi had dismissed Seidl and Hoffmann.
“The fact that two people closely involved in my signing are no longer there is of course perhaps a little sad. It shows that the CEO of Audi, that everyone at Audi, is watching. They are aware, they are involved. The fact that they are taking action means that they are very involved and invested in the project, and that they are very engaged. It’s good news, positive I think.”
He added that he had not been aware of any of the changes in advance.
“It would be a mistake and a conflict of interest. I am fully invested in this season, still with Haas, and totally committed, so I am not aware.”
But isn’t he worried about the situation at Stake F1, still without a point this year?
“I didn’t say that this team change would be free, or that it was guaranteed. The journey is long, that’s certain. With Audi, the ambition and pressure are very high. It’s always the case when you race for a manufacturer.”
“I’m not worried. But I know—and they know—that they need to improve the package.”
“I take the example of Haas F1, my team. We were ready when the top teams, the best cars, were struggling and had issues. We were there to pick up the pieces. For us, that’s huge.”
“Last year, there were quite a few changes on the technical side. Some people left the team, there was a reshuffle. Then, when Ayao joined the team, he made some adjustments. It was stifled before, but it has freed up people in certain departments. It seems they are working more efficiently with higher quality.”
With his 217 Grand Prix starts, Hulkenberg continues to hold the unfortunate record of the driver who has raced the most without ever standing on the podium. To what extent does this play on the German’s mind?
“Zero. There is that statistic. But there are also facts, like Audi’s commitment to me—a non-Grand Prix winner—compared to Grand Prix winners who were available at the time. The statistics are always there, but they don’t give you the truth.”
“Today I’m at Haas F1 and everyone agrees I couldn’t do better! It’s a real fairytale story. In 2019, I was tired of F1 and wanted to take a break. It was a conscious decision to step away and I enjoyed life away from the motorsport world.”
“Slowly, slowly, I realized I was done with it and there were things to settle. This time has been precious to me. It’s quite a motorsport story and a comeback that you wouldn’t expect…”
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Hulkenberg Firm on Timely Audi F1 Deal Amid Doubts Hulkenberg Firm on Timely Audi F1 Deal Amid Doubts
