Hulkenberg wary of home Audi 'expectations'

Nico Hulkenberg has asserted he is not oblivious to the pressures he will be under when he joins the Audi F1 project.

Hulkenberg will link up with Stake F1 next year ahead of its transition to Audi the following season, with the German manufacturer taking over the entire Sauber-run outfit.

The project has just one-half of its driver line-up confirmed as several competitors are believed to be in contention for the second seat.

Hulkenberg will sit in as a German national at a German squad - meaning there will be heightened expectations on his shoulders.

“It’s a big challenge, there’s no question about that,” Hulkenberg told select media including RacingNews365.

“Going to Audi, what will be a German manufacturer, as a German driver, there will be a lot of attention and a lot of expectations. So it’s not going to be an easy one.

“My approach to my work and the definition is not changing. 

“I will go there with everything I have and try to contribute in and out of the car as much as I can. That’s what I love doing and hopefully, collectively, we can make it a success.”

Hulkenberg will be part of the project following two years at Haas - however, the 36-year-old denied the German link was the driving force behind his decision to sign.

“It's obviously special in a way because of the German brand - but it was not the deciding factor,” he added.