Nico Hülkenberg steps into a leadership role at Stake F1, guiding the team as it prepares for its transformation into a works outfit.
Nico Hülkenberg welcomes his new career move, as he will drive for Sauber this year and under the Audi F1 banner from 2026. He explains how this new challenge with a works team differs from anything he has experienced in his career, especially as he will be the team leader alongside Gabriel Bortoleto.
“I think it’s a new dimension for me to be the leader of an F1 team,” said Hülkenberg. “At Renault, it was different – they were already in that position.”
“It’s somewhat comparable, but in the end, it’s not. Audi is obviously a bigger brand, a bigger name, and the Formula 1 stage is much larger.”
As a German, he acknowledges a particular pride in racing under the colors of a brand from his home country: “I am one of the first two drivers to race for Audi, and as a German, I feel a certain pride.”
“I’m very happy. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and I’m curious to see what time will bring. We are getting a lot of reinforcements, with many skilled people joining the team.”
“For now, there is still a lot of work to do, but 2026 will be a reset year for everyone with the regulatory changes. It’s a blank slate for all competitors, creating big opportunities for everyone.”
The former Haas driver admits he hadn’t envisioned this when returning to Formula 1 in 2023: “It’s been a bit of a journey—fun and positive—but I don’t think I would have expected or imagined this happening. I think the comeback worked out and paid off.”
But it was what he needed to regain his competitiveness and renewed motivation: “The way everything unfolded—the break, the three years away—was really positive and refreshing for me personally.”
“Coming back and being very happy with where I am, doing what I do, being with the team and everything else, that’s what matters. I think, above all, performance on track is what counts, which is obviously the most important thing.”
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Hülkenberg Leads Stake F1 Into New Era Ahead of Audi Move Hülkenberg Leads Stake F1 Into New Era Ahead of Audi Move Hülkenberg Leads Stake F1 Into New Era Ahead of Audi Move
