F1 News: Nico Hulkenberg Tipped For 2025 Audi Move - 'Haas Is A Nice Team For Newcomers'

Saajan Jogia | Apr 11, 2024

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Moneygram Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg (27) of Germany / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Former driver Ralf Schumacher describes the Haas F1 team as a "nice, small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman," indicating its lack of a robust future trajectory toward becoming a larger F1 outfit. As Nico Hulkenberg's contract nears its end this season, F1 pundit Karun Chandhok suggests that the Sauber F1 team, slated for full acquisition by Audi in 2026, may seek long-term drivers under the management of the German manufacturer.

Key Takeaways:

• Ralf Schumacher suggests Haas F1 lacks a promising future and is better suited for newcomers like Oliver Bearman, while Karun Chandhok proposes Sauber F1, set for Audi acquisition in 2026, as a long-term option for drivers like Nico Hulkenberg.
• Hulkenberg's standout performance with Haas last season was marred by tire degradation issues, resulting in a low points finish and bottom standing in the championship.
• Despite improvement this season with the VF-24, Haas remains in the lower midfield. With doubts about future investments, Schumacher suggests Hulkenberg explore other options, while Chandhok recommends Audi-controlled Sauber.

Last season marked Hulkenberg's return to the grid in a full-time role, where he stood out as Haas' standout performer. However, the season was overshadowed by the VF-23's tire degradation issues, leaving Hulkenberg with only nine points, while his teammate Magnussen scored just three, resulting in Haas finishing at the bottom of the standings.

This year, despite some signs of improvement with the VF-24, Haas still finds itself towards the lower end of the midfield, with Hulkenberg earning three points and Magnussen one. Following Haas' unexpected management reshuffle, with Guenther Steiner replaced by Ayao Komatsu as team principal, Schumacher believes it's time for Hulkenberg to explore more promising opportunities.

Schumacher suggests that Haas lacks the necessary investment to support a driver of Hulkenberg's caliber. When asked by Sky Deutschland if Hulkenberg should continue with Haas in 2025, he said:

“No, certainly not.

“Haas is certainly a great team and everything will get better there, but the structure isn’t there and doesn’t look towards the future either.

“Investments are pending but are not being made because Gene Haas has other ideas. It’s a nice, small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman.”

An ideal alternative for Hulkenberg, according to Chandhok, would be the Sauber/ Stake F1 team, which will be taken over entirely by Audi in 2026. Offering his opinion on Instagram, he said:

“That’s an interesting one because Audi now have control of the seats so I think they will try get the drivers for ’25 who they want in the car for ’26 because the regulation changes are coming.

“And you really want continuity across regulation changes.

“There are a lot of rumours about Hulkenberg signing there, which I think is a smart move. He’s a safe, sensible, experienced and fast pair of hands.

“So Nico Hulkenberg would be a good choice.”