Verstappen Endorses Hulkenberg for Audi F1 Seat

Max Verstappen voices strong support for Nico Hulkenberg’s move to Audi F1, citing his extensive experience and deep knowledge of Formula 1.

Max Verstappen has supported the decision of Nico Hulkenberg and Audi to team up for the launch of the German brand’s F1 project in 2026.

The German, who has impressed in his full-time return to F1 with Haas, chose to embark on a new project despite attempts by Ayao Komatsu to keep him (read more here).

Hulkenberg will obviously be much better compensated (12 million euros per year for three seasons, according to initial estimates) but this is still far from the much more lucrative offer still awaiting Carlos Sainz (25 million euros per year for three seasons).

“I fully understand why Audi chose him and also why Nico chose Audi,” Verstappen shares.

“Of course, I think it’s better to change teams as infrequently as possible, but sometimes that’s beyond your control. So, I understand why he’s going there and I’m very happy for him.”

Hülkenberg holds an unenviable record in F1 as the driver with the most Grand Prix starts – over 200 – without ever winning or even making it to the podium.

But Verstappen asserts that the German’s experience will be invaluable to Audi.

“It’s always good for Sauber to have a driver like Nico in the car instead of a rookie next year, to prepare for the future. Audi is new to the sport, they will arrive in 2026 while Nico has been in Formula 1 for a long time and he really knows what he’s talking about.”

“I’m very happy for him that he will be driving in Formula 1 for at least a few more years. He absolutely deserves it.”

“Nico is a very good driver. At certain points in his career, he might have been a bit unlucky with where he was. He should have been on the podium more than once but it just didn’t work out.”