Hulkenberg reveals Audi 'surprise' after big-name F1 signings

Nico Hulkenberg has delivered a strong backing to Audi's recent senior F1 signings as it continues to prepare for its 2026 entry. 

Just prior to the summer break, it was announced that Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and technical lead Oliver Hoffmann would be leaving the team, to be replaced by ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer of Suaber Motorsport. 

Further to this, Audi announced during the summer shutdown that long-time Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley would be joining as team principal, with Hulkenberg currently the only driver signed up to the team. 

Audi was keen to sign Carlos Sainz, but he rejected the offer to plump for Williams, with the identity of Hulkenberg's 2025 team-mate at Stake ahead of Audi's '26 arrival still unclear, although incumbent Valtteri Bottas is an increasing possibility.

Reflecting on the big-name moves, Hulkenberg was impressed.

"I think the surprise was the whole change of strategy and that Seidl and Hoffmann were leaving," Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365. 

"That was unexpected and big news, and [Audi CEO] Gernet Dollner called me to [inform me about Wheatley's arrival.]

"[Jonathan] is a very capable guy and very well-qualified, he comes from Red Bull with a lot of know-how from the team that has been do dominant for the last I don't even know how many years. 

"He will be a strong addition to the team for the project.

"[Mattia] is only starting now after the shutdown, so it is very early days. 

"He needs to get a picture of the current situation, get an understanding of all the different departments and just kind of take it from there, it is a process."

Haas right to the very end

With 10 rounds remaining in the season, Haas sits in seventh place in the constructors' on 27 points, just seven behind RB. 

When asked if he was thinking about moving to Stake next year, Hulkenberg insisted that his full focus was on trying to secure Haas's best result since fifth in 2018.

"There are some phone calls, but there is not a lot of energy or attention [on next season]," Hulkenberg said. 

"There is always information from when you network with people and it is always interesting to know what is what up in the paddock and where people are at, but otherwise, I am fully invested in this season still. 

"We want to bounce back this weekend and in the remaining 10 races, score as many points as we can, and ideally secure that seventh place, and dream of maybe attacking sixth, but that is not going to be easy. 

"It will depend on how competitive we will be, it has been up and down, so it is very difficult to predict, but honestly, I am looking forward to the remainder of the season."