F1 News: Nico Hulkenberg Confirms Audi "Talks" As He Leaves The Door Open For 2026

Nico Hulkenberg, while remaining with Haas, acknowledges discussions with Audi about a potential seat in 2026.

Nico Hulkenberg has recently disclosed engaging in preliminary discussions with Audi about a potential driving seat for their 2026 F1 debut. 

Key Takeaways:

• Nico Hulkenberg was in discussions with Audi regarding a potential seat for the 2026 Formula 1 season, though these conversations ultimately did not result in an agreement.
• Despite these talks, Hulkenberg remains committed to his current position at Haas and is open to whatever the future holds in the fast-changing environment of Formula 1.
• The driver market is anticipated to undergo significant shifts in the coming years, with Hulkenberg highlighting the importance of a competitive package for drivers looking to make a mark.

As Audi finalises their partnership with Sauber to establish a works team for their Formula 1 debut in 2026, speculation surrounding their potential driver lineup has been rampant. With Hulkenberg's experience and proven track record, it's no surprise that he was considered a strong candidate for one of the coveted seats.

Despite the allure of joining a prestigious brand like Audi in their F1 venture, Hulkenberg has chosen to extend his stay with Haas. He elaborates on his interaction with Audi and the potential opportunity during an interview with Sky Germany.

"There were talks. I know Andreas Seidl [managing director of Sauber Motorsport] very well from the Porsche and Formula 1 days. We get on well, that's no secret. There were talks, there was interest. At the end of the day, it didn't happen."

Highlighting the uncertainties that come with a brand new entry into the F1 arena, Hulkenberg adds:

"When Audi finally starts in 2026, it is still up in the air whether they will be a top team or not. They'll have to prove it first, and they'll have to deliver. So there are still some question marks."

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Hulkenberg remains content with his position at Haas but keeps an open mind about the future. 

“I'm currently at home here [at Haas] and everything else is in the stars.

"I believe that next year will be very interesting and that the cards will be reshuffled. A lot will happen in the driver carousel. It always depends on how good the package is that you have; how well you can present yourself or not."