Nico Hulkenberg has confirmed his move to Sauber which will become the Audi works team in 2026. The German driver will get better prospects in Formula 1 with the auto giant. However, leaving the Haas F1 team wouldn’t have been easy after the constructor helped him make a comeback to F1. Now, the 36-year-old pointed out how team principal Ayao Komatsu tried to stop him from making the move.
Nico Hulkenberg alongside Carlos Sainz was the prime candidate for a seat at Sauber in 2025 before Audi’s 2026 arrival. Sainz didn’t respond to the ‘ultimatum’ and played the waiting game. Hulkenberg however finalized a deal with Audi for the coming season. The German recalled that it was great working with Ayao Komatsu up until the announcement. Also, Hulkenberg added that he spoke openly to the team principal about joining the German manufacturer in the coming season.
Up until the announcement, it was great working with him. Also in terms of coordination. I spoke to him openly about it a few weeks ago, that there was a good dynamic and that a decision would probably be made sooner rather than later. Nico Hulkenberg said, as repored by motorsport.com.
Letting go of Hulkenberg definitely wouldn’t have been an easy decision for Komatsu. The 36-year-old accepted that the team principal tried his level best to make him stay. The German revealed that the 48-year-old ‘fought’ for him and gave it his everything to have Hulkenberg continue. However, as evident from the course of action, this did not prevent Nico Hulkenberg from joining the German carmaker.
He fought, he gave everything. Nico Hulkenberg noted.
Nico Hulkenberg revealed leaving Haas for Audi was a ‘no-brainer’
The Haas F1 team has been performing much better than Sauber in the 2024 season so far. However, Audi has put forth some promising prospects for the drivers on the team. Hence, Nico Hulkenberg believed that the decision to leave Haas for Audi was a ‘no-brainer decision’. Additionally, the 36-year-old claimed that he had already given this a thought before finalizing a deal.
The decision wasn't a no-brainer for me. I've already given it some thought. Nico Hulkenberg added.
Apart from this, Hulkenberg showcased his contentment with the Haas F1 team which helped him score a comeback in Formula 1. However, at the end of the day, the German driver was to join a team that would help him score better results. According to the 36-year-old, Audi was the ‘better sporting prospect’ as he will try to score his first career podium.
Haas is the team that made my comeback possible. But at the end of the day, the better sporting prospect for me personally is simply with Audi. Nico Hulkenberg concluded.
Nico Hulkenberg will aim to end the season on a high with Haas before turning his priorities to Sauber and Audi. The Haas F1 team has provided the 36-year-old with a great opportunity to score some good results this season. Additionally, Kevin Magnussen has been showcasing great teamwork with the German driver since the beginning of the 2024 season.
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