Nico Hülkenberg does not appear to be anywhere near the end of his Formula 1 career, at least according to Mattia Binotto, who continues to trust the German driver’s value despite his age.
“I have never seen him this focused in recent months,” Mattia Binotto explained, highlighting how comfortably the driver has settled into the Audi project. “He is enjoying this phase and feels very good in the car.”
The team principal is convinced that retirement is not currently on the table. “I cannot imagine him stepping away anytime soon. He still has a lot to give, and age does not seem to be a factor: his lap times are excellent.”
Beyond his on-track performance, Mattia Binotto also underlined Nico Hülkenberg’s human impact within the team. “He is an extraordinary person, reliable, and he leads the group by example. He is a reference point for everyone.”
This is particularly important for the development of young driver Gabriel Bortoleto. “He is fast and already has a leader’s mentality, but having someone like Nico alongside him, with more than 250 Grands Prix, is ideal.”
Finally, Mattia Binotto fully endorses the driver pairing without hesitation. “They work well together, without unnecessary tension. At this stage, that is exactly what we need. I am very satisfied.”
Mattia Binotto’s ringing endorsement of Nico Hülkenberg highlights the immense value that experience and consistency bring to a team in transition. By dismissing retirement talks, Binotto has signaled that Audi’s future is built on a foundation of proven talent and stable leadership. As the 2026 season approaches, the synergy between Hülkenberg’s deep technical knowledge and Bortoleto’s youthful energy could prove to be one of the most effective partnerships on the grid. For Hülkenberg, the “eternal” label seems fitting as he continues to prove that in Formula 1, peak performance knows no age limit.
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