Hulkenberg makes 'weird or awkward' Haas denial

Nico Hulkenberg has said there is nothing "weird or awkward" in having sewn up his F1 future so early into the current season.

The 36-year-old will leave Haas at the end of 2024, joining Stake F1 ahead of its transition to Audi in 2026.

His move came as somewhat of a surprise, with many contending he would stay with the American team, which revived his F1 career. Further the timing of the announcement was unusually early in an F1 'silly season' which was prematurely started by Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari switch being confirmed in February.

However, the German driver is enjoying the comfort of having sorted his immediate F1 plans, saying that with the move to the Sauber entry still some months away, there is not much to do or worry about for now.

"It's not much to manage, to be honest. It's all in theory, in six, seven months’ time, when it starts," he told media including RacingNews365.

"It's actually quite comfortable for me for the first time in my career, that I'm kind of secured and I know where my future is and I watch the musical chairs from a distance - this is comfortable and kind of a nice situation to be in."

Hulkenberg 'fully focused' on season with Haas

Upon being dropped by Renault for Esteban Ocon at the end of 2019, Hulkenberg's F1 career looked to be over. Consigned to a handful of cameo appearances for Racing Point and Aston Martin, he got his chance at redemption when Haas came calling for the 2023 season, in need of an experienced driver who could keep German sponsors happy.

He has impressed since his return, and having had the measure of team-mate Kevin Magnussen in that time, Hulkenberg was able to turn that form into a multi-year deal with Audi.

That contract will see him through to at least the end of 2027 - giving him and the team opportunity to get to grips with the new era of F1 regulations.

However, he is keen to not let that move detract from his final season with Haas, insisting he is "fully focused" on the current campaign and that it is not having an impact on the environment at the American team.

"Like I said, usually I've been on the other side, so it's good from that point of view," he added. "But for the moment I'm fully focused on the season with Haas and everything and next year, like I said, it's all in theory and still quite far away, so it's not weird or awkward or anything."