Audi has made a significant move in the Formula 1 driver market by signing Nico Hulkenberg for its works team. Hulkenberg, a veteran of the sport with over 200 grands prix starts, brings experience and consistency to the team. However, he has yet to achieve a podium finish, which is a statistic that follows him. There are questions about whether Audi could have been more ambitious in their choice of driver, but securing a known quantity like Hulkenberg early on may prove to be a wise decision. The success of the Hulkenberg signing will depend on who he partners with, as having a strong lead driver will make the lineup more convincing. Audi is targeting Carlos Sainz for this role, but his availability is still uncertain. Reuniting the Renault works team lineup of 2018 could showcase the potential of Audi’s entry into Formula 1, but it may not generate the same level of excitement as a more dynamic pairing. Overall, Hulkenberg brings many qualities that align with Audi’s goals, and his signing provides some breathing space for the team as they continue to pursue their top-choice drivers.
The move for Hulkenberg also has implications for other drivers. Zhou Guanyu’s future at Audi/Sauber appears to be in doubt, and Valtteri Bottas’s position may also be at risk depending on Sainz’s decision. Hulkenberg’s exceptional qualifying skills make him a valuable asset, but he has struggled with racing on control Pirelli tires, especially in the era of heavy, torquey cars. In comparison, Bottas has shown his ability to handle challenging tire conditions and has consistently performed well. While Hulkenberg may have the edge in terms of raw speed, Bottas’s performances are more robust. It is easier to argue that Hulkenberg is an upgrade over Zhou, but it is more difficult to make that case against Bottas.
The signing of Hulkenberg provides Audi with some security and flexibility in their pursuit of Carlos Sainz. By securing Hulkenberg early on, Audi reduces the risk of missing out on top driver options in the market. If Sainz eventually joins the team, Hulkenberg would serve as a replacement for Bottas. If not, he would replace Zhou. Hulkenberg’s signing allows Audi to have at least one strong option on the table as a fallback, and they may even consider pursuing Alex Albon if the opportunity arises. The availability of Alpine drivers and the option to retain their current drivers as one-year fallbacks provides further options for Audi. Overall, Hulkenberg’s signing gives Audi some breathing space and a clear direction for the 2025 season.
Nico Hulkenberg is undeniably one of the most skilled drivers in the back half of the Formula 1 grid. While there may have been other options available to Audi, Hulkenberg stands out as the best German driver for a German works team. Comparing him to drivers like Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, and Albon, Hulkenberg brings a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Bottas’s familiarity with the Sauber team and Albon’s contractual situation make them less viable options for Audi. The Alpine drivers may also be considering their options after a disappointing season. Hulkenberg’s previous links to Sauber/Audi and his impressive performances since returning to F1 make him a strong choice for the team.
From Audi’s perspective, it may not matter significantly who is driving for the early years of their F1 journey. Transforming Sauber into a competitive team will take time and patience. While Audi is a manufacturer with a winning history, they have no experience or heritage in F1. The process of building a successful team will take longer than Hulkenberg’s contract duration. It is crucial for Audi’s upper management to understand the challenges and costs associated with an F1 project. The team’s progress may not be immediately apparent, and it is essential for the leadership to remain committed to the long-term vision.
Hulkenberg’s move to Audi has raised some eyebrows, but it shouldn’t be a cause for offense. This decision does not prevent talented junior drivers from securing seats in F1. The top prospects for 2025 already have promising prospects, and Hulkenberg’s departure from Haas could open up opportunities for other drivers like Ollie Bearman. While Hulkenberg may not have fulfilled his potential as a megastar, he has been performing consistently and contributing to Haas’ competitiveness. These qualities make him a valuable asset for Audi, especially considering the development demands they will face in the coming years.