It is not yet clear whether Hulkenberg will replace Guanyu Zhou or Valtteri Bottas, current Sauber owners. Aiming for 2026, when the technical partnership with Audi begins, the team would still be keeping an eye on Carlos Sainz, leaving Ferrari for Hamilton’s arrival. The Spaniard is being considered for vacancies at Mercedes, which is looking for a replacement for the seven-time champion, and at RBR.
– The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. Representing the factory team of a car brand like this with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me – declared the 36-year-old German driver.
Rafael Lopes and Luciano Burti analyze the 2024 Chinese GP
Hulkenberg debuted in F1 in 2010 with Williams and returned to the category with Force India in 2012, after a year’s absence. He also has stints at Sauber, Racing Point (formerly Force India and current Aston Martin) and Renault. His best race result was fourth place at the 2016 Belgian GP. He also has a pole position, at the 2010 Brazilian GP.
The German left the category grid in 2019 without renewing his contract with Mercedes, but returned as a reserve in five races of the 2020 and 2022 seasons, replacing Sergio Pérez, Lance Stroll (Racing Point) and Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) after positive diagnoses for Covid-19.
At the end of 2022, Hulkenberg was announced as Mick Schumacher’s replacement at Haas for 2023. He finished the championship in 16th place and, this year, is 13th in the Drivers’ World Championship.
