Max Verstappen congratulates Nico Hülkenberg on his Audi contract – the team will also benefit from the German, the world champion is certain
“I’m very happy for him that he will be driving in Formula 1 for at least two more years. He absolutely deserves it,” says Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen when asked about Nico Hülkenberg’s switch to Sauber and Audi respectively
The German is leaving Haas to join the Swiss Sauber racing team in 2025, which will become the official Audi works team in Formula 1 in 2026. Verstappen believes that Hülkenberg has made the right decision with his switch.
“Nico is a very good driver. At certain times in his career, he has perhaps been a little unlucky, where he should have been on the podium and then it just didn’t work out,” says the Dutchman. Hülkenberg actually holds a thankless record in Formula 1.
The former Haas driver has competed in 209 races to date, but has never finished on the podium. Audi could give him the chance to change that. “So I understand that he’s going there and I’m very happy for him,” emphasizes Verstappen.
Verstappen: Hülkenberg’s experience a big plus
And vice versa, the Sauber racing team, which is still without points in the 2024 season and currently in last place in the World Championship, could also benefit from Hülkenberg. “I think it’s always good to have a driver like Nico in the car rather than a rookie,” says Verstappen.
This is particularly important in view of 2026, when completely new regulations will come into force. This may even be particularly true for Audi, “who are new to the sport,” recalls Verstappen, who explains: “Nico has been in Formula 1 for a long time and really knows what he’s talking about. “
“So I absolutely understand why Audi chose him and also why Nico chose Audi,” says the world champion. For Hülkenberg, it will be a return to Hinwil next year, as he already drove a season for Sauber in 2013.
Apart from that, the 36-year-old has also raced for Williams, Force India, Renault and Haas in his Formula 1 career. He never drove for the same employer for more than three years at a time.
“I think it’s better to change less often. But sometimes it’s out of your control,” explains Verstappen. The switch to Audi could now be the last in Hülkenberg’s long Formula 1 career.