Future Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg.
While Nico Hulkenberg knows that his future is with Sauber and Audi after long-standing interest turned into a signed contract, he warned Sauber that he remains out to “kick their butts”.
Sauber’s last season before transforming into the Audi works team will be in 2025. It has been confirmed that Hulkenberg will be joining the team for the 2025 season as part of their driver line-up.
Nico Hulkenberg will do Sauber no favours
During a media interview prior to the Miami Grand Prix, Hulkenberg reflected on the circumstances leading to his move. He mentioned that Audi/Sauber had shown interest in signing him last year, but this time, the agreement was finalized.
“I don’t know how it actually happened,” laughed Hulkenberg, responding to the question about how the upcoming move came about. “It just happened.”
“As usual, it is evident that at some stage conversations will commence, and as we are all aware, the driver market situation has been and continues to be highly dynamic and fluid.”
“There was already interest last year, and despite my presence and the opportunity at hand, their side still showed significant interest and enthusiasm.”
“I believe our shared interest in the future aligns perfectly. This project is incredibly thrilling and captivating, which is why we will soon reach an agreement.”
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With Hulkenberg’s upcoming Audi affiliation, the German automobile powerhouse will now boast a German driver in their team, which is led by former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl, who is also German.
Nevertheless, Hulkenberg emphasized that the team’s strong German influence did not play a significant role in his choice to join them.
Hulkenberg stated that while it is a fact, it is not something he actively sought out and considers it to be a secondary outcome or a mere coincidence.
In my opinion, as a driver, you constantly search for the finest sports package and future prospects. And I believe that is the one I have found.
However, Hulkenberg has yet to complete the majority of the F1 2024 season with Haas, as he has expressed his current loyalty towards the team.
Therefore, Sauber should still anticipate him aiming to “beat them decisively”.
He mentioned to Sky F1, “Although it is still in the future, it is definitely happening and I am very thrilled about it. It is quite unusual for me to already know this early in the season where I will be in the future.”
“It is evident that the situation is comfortable and joyful, allowing us to shift our attention towards the rest of the season with Haas.”
“I am determined to achieve the highest level of success in this endeavor and have no particular preference for the team I will be joining. Therefore, I will continue to strive and give my best effort to outperform them.”
So far this season, Hulkenberg has contributed four out of Haas’ total of five points.
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