Nico Hulkenberg reveals Audi’s ambitious Formula 1 plans for 2026. Nico Hulkenberg reflects on a positive 2025 Formula 1 season with Kick Sauber.

Nico Hulkenberg highlighted that the podium in Great Britain was just the beginning, but now all eyes are on 2026 and Audi

Nico Hulkenberg has expressed great satisfaction with his 2025 Formula 1 season. After years of difficulties and a permanent return with the Kick Sauber team, the German driver has finally found consistency and solid performances, with an unexpected podium that brought renewed enthusiasm to the team. In 2026, Nico Hulkenberg will join Audi, and this move could mark a turning point in his Formula 1 career:

“Looking back, this season is definitely more positive than negative. From the winter tests until now, the progress is clear. We did not expect to be so consistent. Perhaps we are even slightly exceeding expectations. We have made great strides, but the midfield remains a jungle: there are five teams very close together, and everything changes from race to race.”

At Belgium, Hulkenberg could have achieved a better result
Talking about the podium earned at Silverstone, Nico Hulkenberg emphasized how much that result served as a huge motivational boost. Even the incident at Spa, where unfortunately he failed to reach the points zone due to a strategy error, did not leave many regrets for the German driver:

“At Silverstone, we showed that if we have the car and do everything right, we can achieve great things. At Spa, though, I wouldn’t have lasted anyway; even without that strategic mistake, the tires were finished. No regrets.”

Hulkenberg also spoke about his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who is having an excellent season considering it is his first year in Formula 1: “Bortoleto is another strong point. He is fast, humble, and has everything needed to become a great driver. We push each other.”

Hulkenberg believes in Audi: “We are building a solid team”
During the usual Thursday interview, Nico Hulkenberg stressed how important it is for him to be part of an ambitious project like Audi F1:

“Nowadays, hardly anyone develops much; everything is focused on the future. But we are laying solid foundations to become a competitive official team. Realism is needed, there won’t be miracles in 2026, but the project is serious. We are building a strong team, step by step.”