Hulkenberg Stays Neutral on Schumacher’s Audi Role

Nico Hulkenberg remains neutral on Mick Schumacher’s potential Audi F1 role, leaving the decision to the team’s management.

Nico Hulkenberg has stated that he remains “completely neutral” regarding whether Sauber/Audi should sign Mick Schumacher for 2025.

Several sources in Singapore were convinced that Valtteri Bottas was on the verge of being re-signed. However, Roger Benoit, the correspondent for Blick, claims that the 34-year-old Finn is now hesitating to accept a simple one-year contract offer. What seemed to be a mere formality is now leading to his likely departure, as Bottas is seeking a minimum two-year deal, still with a good salary.

The German newspaper Bild also suspects that Bottas is wavering over the terms of his contract with Sauber for 2025. According to their information, Mick Schumacher was no longer part of the plans of the new team boss, Mattia Binotto. Bottas was expected to stay for another year, with the contract already prepared and confirmed. However, Bottas is negotiating too hard on both duration and salary. If the Finn sticks to his high demands, Mick Schumacher could be back in the picture, according to Bild.

Binotto also revealed this week that Schumacher is “definitely” an option for 2025, and that he recently met with the 25-year-old former Haas F1 driver.

He also responded to claims that Schumacher might not be the fastest driver in the Formula 1 paddock. “On certain tracks, he needs a few more attempts to set the fastest lap. But a driver should be judged not only on speed but also on attitude.”

Current Haas F1 driver Hulkenberg signed with Audi-Sauber for 2025 and beyond last April. Having Schumacher as a teammate would create an all-German driver lineup.

“The Audi factory team will probably generate some interest in Germany,” said Hulkenberg.

“German manufacturer, German driver, and of course, a German Grand Prix would be desirable for an automotive nation.”

“As for my teammate, I have no demands – I’m completely neutral. First, I have no say in the matter, and second, the decision on which driver pairing will deliver the best performance lies with the people in charge at Audi. I won’t interfere in that.”

Hulkenberg explained that he isn’t thinking much about 2025 at the moment.

“There’s not much I can do about it now. I can’t really influence anything, and it’s not my job. I’m still 100% with Haas, and I want to finish this chapter in the most successful and positive way possible. So, all my energy and focus are on Haas F1.”