Nico Hulkenberg claims Haas upgrades did “nothing” amidst Audi rumors

Nico Hulkenberg might join Audi after it's Sauber acquisition in 2026.

Nico Hulkenberg claims Haas upgrades did “nothing” amidst Audi rumors

Nico Hulkenberg (via IMAGO)

The American team Haas had a disappointing performance in the 2023 season of Formula 1. Haas achieved the dead last spot on the constructor’s championship and failed to perform better results than the previous year. Hence, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg expressed discontent with the unrewarding upgrades bought to the car.

The German was quizzed about the B-spec version of the Haas VF-23 and about it’s achievements in the season. Hulkenberg bluntly replied that the car achieved nothing and the upgrades were sober and alarming. Additionally, the 36-year-old called out the team and asked them to be honest with themselves and admit the disappointing performance from the car.

Nothing, [It’s] sobering and alarming. You can’t hide that. We have to be honest with ourselves and admit that it doesn’t meet our standards when we do so much work to rebuild the car and then the end result is almost the same. It’s our job to do better next year.
Hulkenberg told Auto Motor und Sport.
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Additionally, Hulkenberg was also questioned about the learnings from this season and if it wouldn’t be repeated. However, the German did not express confidence over this this and added that the team needed to organize themselves internally. It also needed to be ensured that a situation like this never arises in the future.

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I can’t say that with confidence right now, We’ll probably have to organize ourselves a little differently internally so that the same thing doesn’t happen again.

Nico Hulkenberg is keen on joining Audi in Formula 1

The German manufacturer Audi is supposed to join the grid after 2026 by acquiring Sauber. Audi executives have displayed their ideas of acquiring an experienced driver for their driver’s lineup. Hence, the German Nico Hulkenberg is one of the potential drivers that might join Audi after its arrival.

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen
Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen (via IMAGO).

Hulkenberg’s shift to Sauber in 2024 was cut-short due to the contract renewal at Haas for another year. As a result, Hulkenberg continues to race for the American constructor atleast till the end of 2024 after which might see some changes. Audi has also expressed interest over acquiring the former Le Mans winner for the drivers lineup.

Subsequently, Hulkenberg might just switch to Audi in an attempt to score better results. However, the German is yet to win a race in Formula 1 due to unforeseeable circumstances during a race. Moreover, the 36-year-old is yet to score a podium in Formula 1 since his inception in the sport.

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