Gunther Steiner hints Haas might change “hardline” driver lineup in 2025 amidst Nico Hulkenberg Audi rumors

Haas planned to do-away with young drivers after frustrating stints with Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher.

Gunther Steiner hints Haas might change “hardline” driver lineup in 2025 amidst Nico Hulkenberg Audi rumors

Gunther Steiner [L] Nico Hulkenberg [R] (images via IMAGO)

The Haas F1 team signed Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season alongside Kevin Magnussen. The American squad decided to replace Mick Schumacher after a string of expensive incidents caused by the inexperienced driver. It seemed that Gunther Steiner would stick to more experienced drivers for the team. Now, Steiner has suggested that the team could look for young drivers in the future.

The Haas Team Principal admitted that the team had a hardline approach to its driver lineup for 2023. However, Steiner mentioned that the sport could see an influx of young drivers in 2025 as a few current drivers might leave the sport. Subsequently, the 58-year-old reckoned that drivers would try to secure their seats early on next season.

I think it was a hardline position at some stage. In 2025 it opens up. At some stage we will have new drivers coming into F1 because some are getting on in their career.
Gunther Steiner said as reported by RacingNews365

Nico Hulkenberg has been rumored to be on Audi’s radar once the automaker joins the sport in 2026. Many believe that Sauber might try to sign the German for 2025 in preparation for Audi’s arrival. This could force Gunther Steiner to look for Hulkenberg’s replacement for 2025. Although Haas has not made any decisions regarding the same for now.

FS Video
It's too early to make decisions, but I think next year a lot of people will start moving early in the season to make sure that in 2025 they are in a good place.

Haas might lose Nico Hulkenberg to Audi

Nico Hulkenberg was contacted by Audi’s future partner Sauber for 2024. Luckily, Haas managed to activate an option in the German’s contract that secured him at the American team for next season. However, for 2025 things are quite open for both sides as Hulkenberg’s contract runs out with Gunther Steiner’s squad at the end of next season.

Nico Hulkenberg (image via GPFans)
Nico Hulkenberg (image via GPFans)

This presents the perfect opportunity for Sauber and Audi to grab the German driver. Although Sauber had an underwhelming campaign in 2023, Audi’s arrival would be lucrative for the 36-year-old. As Nico Hulkenberg would be racing for a manufacturer in 2026. On the other hand, Haas continued to struggle with lackluster upgrades this season.

Certainly, if rumors turn out to be true, Gunther Steiner would have an uphill task to sign Nico Hulkenberg for the future. As Sauber might be the right opportunity for the German driver. Nevertheless, there has been no confirmation of Sauber’s interest in the 36-year-old for 2025. As such fans would need to wait and see how things pan out in the coming months.

In case you missed it: