Hülkenberg: A new dimension to be leader of a Formula 1 team

After two strong years at Haas, the 36-year-old German is set to lead a constructor once again at Sauber which is morphing into Audi in 2026, having secured a multi-year contract with the Hinwil-based team.

While 2025 is expected to be a transitional season before Audi's full entry in 2026, Hülkenberg sees the opportunity as a fresh start and a platform to fight for competitive positions in the long term. As team leader too as the team welcome Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto who will need time to find his feet in the top flight.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Hülkenberg reflected on his new role: "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. It’s a bit comparable, but ultimately it’s not. Audi is obviously a bigger brand, a bigger name, and the stage of Formula 1 is much bigger."

Hülkenberg also acknowledged the significance of representing a German manufacturer in the sport: "I’m one of the first two drivers who will drive for Audi, and being German, there is an element of pride. I’m very happy."

Sauber endured a challenging 2024 season Formula 1 but showed signs of progress with late upgrades that helped narrow the gap to the midfield. The team, now under the leadership of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and ex-Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, is undergoing a transformation in preparation for 2026.

Hülkenberg is optimistic about the future: "I am really looking forward to the challenge, and I am curious to see what time brings. 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 with the regulation changes. It is a blank sheet of paper for everyone, and that offers great opportunities for all the competitors."

After being sidelined from a full-time F1 seat between 2020 and 2022, Hülkenberg made a strong return with Haas, proving his value and securing a long-term future in the sport.

"It’s been a bit of a journey—fun and positive—but I don’t think I would have expected or thought it would happen. I think the comeback has worked and paid off. The way it all happened—the break, the three years off—has been really positive and refreshing for me personally.

"To come back and feel very happy with where I am, what I do, the team, and everything else, that’s what matters. I think it’s mostly down to the performance on track, which is obviously the most important thing," added Hulkenberg, who has never celebrated on a Grand Prix podium in a F1 career that includes 227 starts.

With Audi gearing up for its full-scale Formula 1 entry, Hülkenberg’s leadership and experience will be crucial in shaping the team’s competitiveness. While 2025 may serve as a stepping stone, the German is determined to play a key role in Audi’s ambitions to establish itself as a front-running force in the sport.