Hulkenberg admits 'shock' over major Audi F1 ejections

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted he was “shocked” to learn the news of Audi's major personnel overhaul for its F1 project.

Earlier this week the German manufacturer announced the departure of Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl and its chief representative Oliver Hoffmann.

In a further move, Audi confirmed ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will lead the team, starting at the beginning of August.

Audi will join the F1 grid in 2026 by taking over the Sauber-owned squad currently operating as Stake F1 and has already signed Hulkenberg to a multi-year deal.

While Hulkenberg has no worries over the future of the project amid the change, the 36-year-old conceded to being caught out by the announcement.

“No, not concerned, that was obviously a bit of a wave, a bit of a shock,” Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365. 

“But now it's back to business and I still look forward to joining that project and to make it a successful story with Audi.

“The fact that two people who were closely involved in signing me are not there anymore, of course, maybe [it is] a bit sad.

“But I’m more interested in the project, joining F1 with Audi, and making it a successful story.”

Seidl, Hoffmann 'influential' in Audi decision

Hulkenberg put pen to paper with Audi several months ago, with Seidl and Hoffmann playing key roles in luring him to the project. 

“Of course, they were influential, these were the two guys we did the deal with, so that's that,” Hulkenberg said.

“It was an unexpected change. I was informed the day of the announcement about the group's decision by Gernot Döllner [Audi Group CEO] himself.

“That's a group decision, that they want to change moving forward. I think big projects like this, you have in the management people that are big pillars of such projects.

“But you never just rely on one or two people. In F1, everyone is changeable.”

Binotto's arrival at the team will mark his first involvement with an F1 team since departing Ferrari at the end of the 2022 campaign.

“In terms of Mattia, I know him from the past from the paddock, but I've never worked with him,” Hulkenberg added. “But that will change in a few months.”