Nico Hulkenberg is eager to see the possible avenues that could open up in Formula 1 for 2025, citing that a strong start to the season could create opportunities.
Hulkenberg impressed last term amid a tough campaign for Haas, who brought him back into the fold after an absence from a full-time seat dating back to 2019.
The veteran is one of 13 drivers on the current grid out of contract at the end of 2024, with the driver market ignited by Lewis Hamilton’s shock switch to Ferrari.
Hulkenberg’s status as a German driver has seen him linked with a potential return to the Sauber-owned squad which will evolve into a works Audi entry in 2026.
But while Hulkenberg revealed during pre-season testing last week that negotiations with Haas hadn’t begun, he said he’s under no pressure to resolve his future.
When asked about his ideal timeline to have his plans for next season arranged, Hulkenberg told the media: “It doesn’t work like that, when I want.
“It’s not what I wish – it’s always what opportunities you have; what the opposition wants; your team or whoever else.
“Historically, the bigger teams sort out that kind of stuff earlier and the smaller teams always take more time for one reason or another.
“But I don’t have any particular stress there. I want to get the season started and hopefully I can have a few good performances and then we’ll see what opportunities might arise from it or not.
“To be honest, we haven’t even spoken here because it’s early days.
“You’ve seen how the focus is on the pre-season and on the testing and I suspect over the next few months a conversation will start to happen here.
“Your current team is always an option, I think that’s pretty obvious. But there might be other options opening up too, but I think that’s quite early to foresee or to know.”
Haas slumped to the bottom of the standings last term as issues with tyre degradation prevented its drivers from capitalising on numerous promising starting spots.
The American outfit’s new team boss Ayao Komatsu, who replaced Guenther Steiner last month, warned that the side was also braced for a challenging opening to 2024.
That could impact Hulkenberg’s chances of being in the frame for a seat elsewhere, with the Haas driver suggesting that a positive beginning presents further chances.
Pressed on whether an encouraging start could open doors for him, Hulkenberg replied: “Every race is important, but if you have a good start to the season immediately there is that [positive] dynamic or that [negative] dynamic. And that always can point you in one direction or another.”
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