Hülkenberg Enthusiastic About 2026: At Audi, “Everything Has More Scope”

For Nico Hülkenberg, the challenges associated with the introduction of a brand of Audi’s caliber into Formula 1 were decisive factors in his signing, in addition to the fact that the manufacturer is German, like him.

The past month has been eventful for Stake F1/Audi. After dismissing Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann, two key figures in the team’s management, the four-ringed brand quickly announced the recruitment of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

Binotto will take on the roles of Chief Operations Officer and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber Motorsport, while Wheatley will become the Team Principal of Stake F1, and later of Audi when the brand joins the grid in 2026.

Now that the management issue has been settled, the focus shifts to the drivers. So far, only Nico Hülkenberg has been announced as the manufacturer’s representative, and his teammate has yet to be determined.

The current Haas driver had actually been informed of the management change just minutes before the official announcement, via a phone call from Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, before the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite the swirling rumors, Hülkenberg explained that this restructuring can only be beneficial, as it shows the German manufacturer’s commitment to the team, which will not carry its name until 2026.

“I don’t know if it’s significant, but I think it’s a positive development. It demonstrates the respect and seriousness of the brand, showing that they are not taking this lightly,” he says. “They are attentive. They see what is happening, and that is good, very good.”

For Hülkenberg, being a German driver hired by a German manufacturer makes things “special,” but it was not the “decisive factor” in his signing. What attracted him were rather the challenges associated with a brand like Audi.

“It is a big challenge, there’s no doubt,” he explains. “Joining Audi, which will be a German manufacturer, [with] a German driver, [there will be] a lot of attention, a lot of expectations. So, it is certain that it won’t be easy.”

“I like this explanation. Yes, everything has more scope at Audi. With both the good and the bad. The bad because, if you are not performing, the pressure is greater, you are more in the spotlight. There will be much more media and communication work, a lot more demands in that regard. But yes, it is a great opportunity. And everything is bigger!”