Nico Hulkenberg remains tight-lipped after Audi 'temptation'

Nico Hulkenberg has remained tight-lipped on the performance of Audi’s first Formula 1 car, although he revealed that being involved in the project was always "very tempting".

Audi is one of two new teams on the grid this season—Cadillac is the other—having successfully acquired the Stake F1 operation.

The German manufacturer unveiled its livery for the 2026 campaign on Tuesday evening in Berlin, although a filming day with its R26—the name of its new car—has already been completed.

Hulkenberg knew when he joined Stake ahead of the 2025 campaign on a multi-year deal that he would be involved in the Audi project, which was a major reason for his move from Haas.

Asked if it was a dream to be with Audi, Hulkenberg told select media, including RacingNews365, at the team’s launch: "It’s definitely something very tempting and exciting.

"That’s why, two or three years ago, when I decided to go for this project—quite some time before now, before it became a reality—I could already see the temptation and what it would become.

"So yes, now to see it come to life, to become a reality, it’s nice."

Audi conducted a filming day in Barcelona on January 9. However, with limited running completed and the car not fitted with the correct F1 tyres, Hulkenberg has remained quiet on what it felt like.

Discussing what the car felt like during Audi’s filming day, Hulkenberg replied: "I can’t share much because it’s a filming day.

"You don’t have the real tyres, and it’s not running in anger, so unfortunately, we need to wait."