Nico Hulkenberg has denied Audi’s status as a German outfit proved to be a leading factor in his decision to move in preparation for the marque’s arrival in Formula 1.
Sauber announced last week that Hulkenberg will move to the team next season on a multi-term agreement prior to the squad morphing into a works Audi F1 entrant.
The deal sees the German become the first driver that Audi has acquired as it continues to build towards its maiden F1 venture when new regulations are introduced.
“It just happened, I don’t know how it actually happened,” Hulkenberg told media including Motorsport Week.
“Yeah, I mean, like normal, obviously, you know, at some point you start talking and as we all know, it has been and still is a very dynamic, you know, fluid driver market situation.
“And I think there was interest last year, but obviously, I’m here and there was no opportunity, but the interest still seemed to be there, from their side.
“And, yeah, they were quite keen and I think, you know, matched interest for the future. Going forward is a very exciting, interesting project, and hence the agreement.”
Despite Audi’s branding not being present until 2026, Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi revealed it would have an active role in driver discussions.
Hulkenberg acknowledged that being embedded within the Hinwil-based squad in advance will prove a valuable advantage when it comes to Audi’s impending arrival.
“Yeah, obviously, it’s a year of, yeah, maybe it buys us some time, you know, getting to know each other,” he added.
“You know, still some faces I know from 2013, but also a lot of new faces. Still going to be a Ferrari power unit, so that’s not going to be foreign to me, but obviously, yeah, to get to know the team, the infrastructure there and, you know, already try to help and steer certain things, obviously, but that’s then.
“Now, obviously, I’m still pretty much in this season and focused on what’s ahead.”
Hulkenberg also denied that Audi’s status as a German brand was pivotal to his decision, citing that he has opted for what he believes is the “best sporting package”.
“I think it’s just a fact, but, you know, that’s secondary and that’s a side effect, that’s just how it is,” he said. “It’s not, you know, that I was specifically looking for that.
“I think, as a driver, you just always look for what you believe is the best sporting package and opportunity for you in the future and I think, for me, that that’s the one.”
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