Nico Hulkenberg hopes Audi can avoid falling behind the competition under Formula 1’s 2026 regulations, stressing the team must continue building a strong foundation as it grows into a full factory operation.
The Sauber driver has enjoyed one of his best seasons to date, highlighted by a maiden podium at the British Grand Prix, but he remains unsure whether the team will regress next year or continue its progress.
A resurgent Swiss outfit has fought its way into the midfield after an upgrade package in Spain, with Hulkenberg scoring points in four consecutive races since the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
However, as Sauber transitions into a full Audi works team, the 37-year-old has stressed that upgrades to the factory, improved team cohesion, and a stronger organisational foundation will be key to establishing the team as a consistent midfield contender.
When asked whether he expects the team to be worse off next year than this season, Hülkenberg remained cautiously optimistic.
“Hopefully not,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “But, yeah, in terms of expectations, I think it’s very, very hard to make predictions and to put positions or numbers to it.
“I think, yeah, kind of impossible to be honest, but I think we’ve got to be realistic. It’s still a big challenge for everyone. New regulations obviously have and offer opportunities, but, yeah, there’s no guarantees.
“The important thing is that we put all the right things in place, that we continue growing, improve the infrastructure, improve the team, the foundation of the team, to become this bigger factory team.
“And, yeah, I think on that we are kind of obviously on the journey, but there’s always things to do, of course.”
Hulkenberg reflects on strong first half of the season
Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the German driver reflected on the first half of the season, calling it largely positive after a run of consistent points finishes and a maiden podium.
“Well, if I look back and reflect on it, I think it’s definitely more positive than anything else,” he added.
“Obviously, if you consider, looking from winter testing when we started, the first couple of races, then since Barcelona, five races consecutively in the points, a podium, a couple of really strong drives and performances from us.
“So, I think the trend is right. It would have been nice to start there, but it came different. But definitely recently, I think we are heading in the right direction.
“But it remains the same thing in the midfield. There are basically five teams that are very, very close to each other. Depending on the day, on the circuit, on the conditions, it swings around a bit, the momentum.”
Hulkenberg also confirmed he has already completed simulations for the 2026 regulations, giving the team an early look at potential performance and helping to guide preparations for next year’s car.
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