Those responsible for the future Formula 1 team Audi are providing clarity on the driver question for the first time. Starting next season, the German Nico Hülkenberg will be behind the wheel of one of the Hinwil-based team’s two cars.
Hülkenberg’s nomination is no surprise. The name of the Rhinelander, who has signed a long-term contract, has long been high on the list of possible candidates for a driver’s seat at Audi. At the German automobile group, they are fulfilling two of their own wishes by signing the 36-year-old. With Hülkenberg they have a German driver under contract, and one with immense experience.
Since joining Formula 1 14 years ago, Hülkenberg has competed in 208 Grands Prix; one of the 13 previous seasons, the one 11 years ago, as a driver for the Sauber team. He is currently in his second season with the American Equipe Haas.
It is not yet clear who will compete alongside Hülkenberg for the brand with the four rings in Formula 1. There are increasing signs that at Audi headquarters they are not planning to use either of the two current drivers, the Finn Valtteri Bottas and the Chinese Zhou Guanyu. Among other things, collaboration with Carlos Sainz is possible. The Spaniard will have to make way for Lewis Hamilton at Scuderia Ferrari after this season.
The team based in the Zurich Oberland will operate in Formula 1 under the name Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber until the Audi brand officially joins the team in the season after next.