Audi’s much-anticipated entry into Formula 1 is less than three years away, and while the German manufacturer continues to work on developing its power unit, one of the most pressing questions in the motorsport world revolves around who will be behind the wheel when the lights go out in 2026.
Numerous names have been linked to the potential driver slots, but one candidate has recently garnered more attention than most. Nico Hulkenberg, a seasoned Formula 1 driver, has openly discussed his interest in the “very exciting” prospect of joining Audi’s foray into Formula 1.
Given Audi’s German heritage, there is a natural inclination to consider a driver of the same nationality. However, the pool of German drivers in Formula 1 is relatively limited at the moment. While Mick Schumacher’s name has been floated as a possibility, considering his absence from racing for almost a full season, there is another contender who could fit the bill seamlessly.
The spotlight turned to Nico Hulkenberg, the man who replaced Schumacher at Haas, when questioned about the possibility of making the move to Audi. Hulkenberg acknowledged that it was indeed an idea he would entertain.
“It’s definitely one of the very attractive projects right now and prospects for a new brand coming into F1,” he shared during an interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast. “It’s very exciting, a German manufacturer as well. They are people that I’ve worked with and done really well with before. It all sounds really nice and good on paper.”
Hulkenberg also emphasized that his potential opportunity with Audi would hinge on his continued strong performance in Formula 1. He stated, “Obviously, I need to put in the good work, keep driving convincing drives to maybe have a shot there. But only time will tell.”
In summary, as Audi prepares to enter the world of Formula 1, the question of who will pilot their car in 2026 remains a hot topic. Nico Hulkenberg’s interest adds intrigue to the discussion, with the experienced German driver considering the possibility of joining Audi’s exciting venture into the pinnacle of motorsport.
