Nico Hulkenberg has claimed that Audi opted to sign him as a driver to its nascent Formula 1 project over drivers who have secured victories and boast “better stats”.
Sauber announced earlier this season that Hulkenberg will depart Haas to move to the team in 2025 as it prepares to transition into a works Audi entrant come 2026.
The German, who has made 215 F1 starts across two spells, has penned a multi-term deal to align with Audi’s impending arrival once new regulations are introduced.
Hulkenberg is hoping that his upcoming career switch will be the one that can inspire him to attain the success that he looked destined to achieve earlier in his career.
The ex-Renault driver has never registered a higher race finish than fourth and holds the unwanted record for the most F1 races completed without claiming a podium.
However, Hulkenberg has denied that such a statistic is a weight on his shoulders, as he expressed that he is content with how his career has progressed to this point.
“If you want to know how I feel about stats… I couldn’t care less,” Hulkenberg told GP Racing.
“Of course, I would like to stand here and have grand prix victories under my belt and a World Championship. Of course. Otherwise, I’m talking lies.
“But my career went how it went. There were a few opportunities missed for different reasons. I have accepted that. I digested that.
“I feel very happy about my career, and I’m very comfortable in my skin.”
Hulkenberg has been a revelation since returning to the sport with Haas last season and has spearheaded the team’s surprise climb to seventh in the championship.
The veteran believes that it speaks volumes and is a testament to his level that a huge automotive name like Audi has prioritised his services over past race winners.
“I think a company like Audi, with such a project, would sign me ahead of a lot of guys with grand prix wins, with better stats, is a very powerful statement,” he said.
I think that says it all.”
Hulkenberg is preparing to move to a Sauber team that has slipped to last place in the Constructors’ Championship with zero points scored in the opening 14 rounds.
But the current Haas racer is not concerned about Sauber’s plight, citing that the Hinwil-based squad is not consigned to remaining rooted to the bottom next season.
Asked whether he was worried that he could experience a challenging season in 2025, Hulkenberg replied: “Not worried. It’s going to be a difficult year, yes, for sure.
“But it’s the first year of hopefully many and a long road.
“But obviously, seeing the first 12 races, seeing what happens, I often also see how these close margins make you look bad and make you have no points.
“So it’s very specific and a lot in the detail. Sometimes misfortune kicks in. So I’m not worried or concerned at that moment overly.
“And I also know that, you know, in eight or 10 months, whenever, you know, the season starts next year, it can be quite different. So, you know, I’m fine and relaxed.”
