Hulkenberg focused on Haas despite excitment for “huge” Audi project

Following the announcement that Nico Hulkenberg would be joining Sauber from 2025 onwards, beginning Audi’s “huge project,” the German said he is still “committed and looking forward to the remainder of this season with Haas,” starting with this weekend’s Sprint event in Miami. 

In just a matter of years, Nico Hulkenberg has gone from losing his seat to Esteban Ocon in 2020, to being Audi’s front-running preference as they enter the sport in 2026.

Audi secured their man last week, with Hulkenberg confirming the move from Haas to Sauber from 2025 onwards. 

“It’s obviously nice and quite a comfortable situation to have the future decided and nailed down so early,” Hulkenberg said. 

“It is not, you know, the usual scenario for me so it’s quite pleasant, [I’m] quite happy.

“Huge project, good opportunity for me but also a huge challenge and a huge job in front of me.”

Nico Hulkenberg will form one part of Audi’s debut lineup in 2026, with his teammate still yet to be decided.

For some time, it was heavily rumoured, and almost a certainty, that he’d be sharing the reigns with Carlos Sainz, however, the Spaniard has broadened his search for a seat to the likes of Red Bull and other high contenders.  

The German automotive giants will be joining the sport as the new regulations roll in, with the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels and power units featuring increased electrical power coming into play.

“Already I think there was interest last year, but obviously I’m here [at Haas]. 

“But the interest still seemed to be there from their side, they were quite keen, and I think [there was] matched interest for the future.”

In terms of competitiveness, Hulkenberg is realistic, saying that it’s “really difficult to tell” where the team will stand. 

“It’s really a white piece of paper [for 2026], and on one side I think that’s good.

“It’s not a new team but it’s going to be labelled a new team because probably all the know-how and advantage that current teams have, it’s wiped away a little bit, and it’s more a level playing field, [or] starting playing field for everyone.

“I think that offers a good opportunity to be competitive straight away, but expectations are always to be successful as quickly as possible.

“It’s still going to be a Ferrari power unit [in the car for 2025], so that’s not going to be foreign to me, but obviously to get to know the team, the infrastructure there, and already try to help and steer certain things.”

For now, however, Hulkenberg is putting his excitement on the back burner as he and Haas continue on their mission to break into the midfield.

“I know this is the news, but we still have a long way to go this season and I’m still very much committed and looking forward to the remainder of this season with Haas.

“It’s obviously very hot here, I think it’s one of the real first ‘hot races’ this season so it’s going to be an interesting one for us to see with overheating, tyre management, how our package copes with that heat here.

“Last year we were pretty competitive here, so, you know, my hope is there that we can have a similar weekend like last year.”

As it stands, Haas is currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, with Hulkenberg having contributed four points of the team’s five-point total thus far. 

Haas will revel in the double points-scoring opportunities in Miami, barring any incidents which are only amplified by the quick turnaround at the hand of the revised Sprint format.

Image: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images.

2024 Miami Grand Prix schedule 

Saturday, May 4

Practice 1: 02.30-03.30

Sprint Shootout: 06.30-07.14

Sunday, May 5

Sprint: 02.00-03.00

Qualifying: 06.00-07.00

Monday, May 5

Grand Prix: 06.00

Don’t forget the latest issue of Auto Action will be available via subscription here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: The untold Senna stories | New look Supercars calendar and more

It is 30 years since Ayrton Senna died at Imola, and our crew goes behind the scenes with untold stories. Plus, where will Adrian Newey go, and is he worth €150 a year?

Plus, NASCAR, IndyCar, WEC, IMSA and Motorsport Australia dump $1m!