Nico Hulkenberg eagerly eyes Audi as an ‘attractive’ F1 career opportunity

Audi is looking to sign a German driver or their F1 team and Nico Hulkenberg is the only active driver from the country.

Nico Hulkenberg (Via IMAGO)

Nico Hulkenberg‘s 2023 comeback with the Haas F1 Team has been extraordinary. After a two-year hiatus from the Formula 1 stage, he embraced the challenge of the new generation of cars with astonishing speed and finesse. Behind the wheel of the VF23, he unveiled his prowess in qualifying, consistently outpacing his more experienced teammate, Kevin Magnussen, by an impressive half a second.

However, as exhilarating as his qualifying performances were, race days presented a different story, with the Haas car struggling with tire degradation and an underwhelming race pace. In the midst of these contrasting fortunes, many pundits and fans have begun to suggest that Nico Hulkenberg should explore options beyond his current affiliation with the American outfit. Enter Audi, a name that has caught the attention of the German driver.

Hulkenberg’s interest in Audi’s impending foray into Formula 1 for the 2026 season is unmistakable. Speaking candidly about the prospect on the F1 Podcast, Beyond The Grid, he described it as “one of the very attractive projects right now.” The allure of a new entrant in the sport, especially one of German heritage, is undeniably appealing to him.

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Audi’s entry into F1 in 2026 includes the acquisition and complete replacement of the Sauber F1 team. The Alfa Romeo name will also part ways with the Sauber team. Nevertheless, there’s a possibility they’ll retain the current Sauber department. For Hulkenberg, a former Sauber driver, this presents a chance to embrace the familiar if he decides to switch. He said, “A German manufacturer as well, people that I’ve worked with and done really well before.” The German added, “Yeah, it all sounds really good on paper.”

Discover: ‘Strong and Confident’ Nico Hulkenberg claims he is faster than Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen

Nico Hulkenberg acknowledges he must continue to excel to secure an Audi F1 drive

Nico Hulkenberg with Max Verstappen and Fernando alonso after his front row start — Nico Hulkenberg with Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso after his front-row start (Credits: diariomotor)

Securing a drive with Audi won’t be a straightforward task, especially as Hulkenberg is committed to the Guenther Steiner‘s outfit for the next two years after a recent contract extension. Hulkenberg emphasized that he focuses on delivering exceptional performances, stating, “I still need to put in the work, keep producing convincing drives to maybe have a shot there.”

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is not a standalone endeavor but part of a broader strategy by its parent company, Volkswagen. The intention to debut with a German driver has already been hinted at, and currently, Nico Hulkenberg is the lone German representative on the grid. He already worked with the team previously, and this unique position could make him a valuable asset during contract negotiations in the lead-up to Audi’s F1 venture.

Audi are very interested in employing a German driver when they enter F1, and think Mick Schumacher is a very good candidate.

There have reportedly already been talks between Schumacher and Audi. #F1 #MexicoGP #Audi #Schumacher #Formula1
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 26, 2022

Hulkenberg’s swift acclimatization to the VF23 and his ability to extract every ounce of potential from the car has not gone unnoticed. As he contemplates the road ahead, Hulkenberg’s potential connection with Audi represents a promising storyline in the ever-evolving world of motorsport.