Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that there will be “more pressure” on him to deliver once he represents Audi in Formula 1 compared to what he is experiencing at Haas.
Sauber announced in April that Hulkenberg has signed a long-term contract to switch to the team next term as it prepares to morph into a works Audi entrant in 2026.
Audi will make its F1 bow once revamped regulations are introduced and the German marque has obtained ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto to head its budding venture.
Hulkenberg has acknowledged the increased expectations that will come with Audi’s impending arrival, but he is adamant that his approach to driving will not change.
“It is a big challenge, no question about that,” Hulkenberg accepted.
“Going to what will be Audi, what will be a German manufacturer, German driver, a lot of attention, a lot of expectation – it’s not going to be an easy one.
“But my approach to my work and the definition isn’t changing. I’m going to go there with everything I have and then try to contribute in and out of the car as much as I can.
“That’s what I love doing and hopefully, collectively, we can make it a success.”
Hulkenberg’s chance to compete with a huge automotive name marks an impressive career turnaround as he endured three seasons on the sidelines from 2020-2022.
The veteran has impressed since his return to the sport with Haas last term and he has been the team’s shining light as it has climbed to seventh in the championship.
But while he is conscious that Audi provides greater possibilities in F1, Hulkenberg is aware there will be more criticism should the side not hit the heights anticipated.
“Well, if you don’t perform the pressure is on there more, you’re more under the spotlight,” he added.
“It’s going to be a lot more PR work there, a lot more demanding on this side. But, it’s a big opportunity and the ceiling is higher.”
Hulkenberg, who is the third oldest driver on the grid, will be 37 once he turns a wheel in a Sauber F1 car again, but he is not concerned about his age in the slightest.
“I don’t feel old or kind of that I’m close to my due date, I don’t look at that and I don’t think about that,” he retorted. “I take it step by step, season by season.
“At the moment, I think I still have what it takes and as long as that’s the case, that’s good and I will carry on and,
as long as I’m wanted here… that’s obviously always the first thing you need, you need someone to have you in the car.
“The other thing is if I feel I can’t keep up with the young kids, I’ll probably even cut it off myself. But I’m not there yet – but I don’t know when that will be.”
