After two strong seasons at Haas, Nico Hülkenberg is stepping into uncharted territory—leading a Formula 1 team through a historic transformation.
The 36-year-old German has secured a multi-year contract with Sauber, the team that is morphing into Audi in 2026. While 2025 is expected to be a transitional year, Hülkenberg sees the opportunity as a fresh start—and a chance to help build Audi’s future success from the ground up.
A Leadership Role Unlike Any Before
🚨 Hülkenberg on leading a team for the first time:
“I think it’s a new dimension for me to be the leader of a team in F1. At Renault, it was different—they were already in that position. Audi is obviously a bigger brand, a bigger name, and the stage of Formula 1 is much bigger.”
Hülkenberg will be the experienced anchor in a team that is also bringing in rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. The 2023 FIA Formula 3 champion will need time to adapt to F1, making Hülkenberg’s leadership even more crucial.
Pride in Representing a German Giant
Hülkenberg isn’t just leading a team—he’s becoming one of the first two drivers to race under Audi’s banner in Formula 1.
“Being German, there is an element of pride. I’m very happy.”
Audi’s full F1 entry in 2026 marks the return of a German powerhouse to the grid—a moment that could redefine Hülkenberg’s legacy.
A Team in Transition: Can Sauber Build Toward 2026?
🔹 Sauber struggled in 2024 but made late-season progress with upgrades.
🔹 Now under the leadership of ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto & former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, the team is undergoing a major transformation.
🔹 Audi is investing heavily in personnel, aiming for a big reset with the 2026 regulation changes.
🚀 Hülkenberg is excited for the challenge:
“We are getting a lot of reinforcements, a lot of capable people are joining the team. At the moment, there is still a lot of work to do, but 2026 will be a reset year for everyone. It is a blank sheet of paper, and that offers great opportunities for all competitors.”
From F1 Castoff to Team Leader
Hülkenberg’s return to F1 was never guaranteed. After being sidelined from a full-time seat between 2020-2022, his comeback with Haas in 2023 proved he still belonged.
“It’s been a journey—fun and positive—but I don’t think I would have expected it to happen. The break was really positive and refreshing for me personally.”
Now, he has a long-term future in the sport and a pivotal role in Audi’s future.
Can Hülkenberg Finally Break His Podium Curse?
Despite 227 career starts, Hülkenberg has never stood on an F1 podium—a record he’d love to change before his career ends.
Could Audi’s arrival in 2026 finally give him the platform to erase that statistic?
If so, Hülkenberg’s journey from F1 exile to Audi’s team leader will go down as one of the sport’s great comebacks.
