Nico Hulkenberg has revealed that Haas has “exciting stuff in the pipeline” that should make the team a “serious competitor” in Formula 1, despite his impending exit.
It was announced back in April that Hulkenberg will be departing Haas to switch to Sauber next season on a multi-term deal as it prepares to morph into Audi in 2026.
The German, however, has insisted that his attention is on helping Haas to overturn a three-point margin to RB to seize sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Haas’ much-improved position in the pecking order represents a stark contrast to previous seasons as 2023 marked the second time in three years it propped up last.
The American squad’s turnaround since Ayao Komatsu replaced Guenther Steiner at the helm last winter has prompted owner Gene Haas to commit more resources.
Haas is reported to have agreed to sanction a widespread recruitment drive, while the squad announced last week a technical alliance with Japanese marque Toyota.
But while he will not be around to reap the rewards of those upcoming changes, Hulkenberg is adamant that Haas’ prospects in the sport will be bright into the future.
Asked to predict how Haas will fare once F1’s regulations are changed in 2026, the Sauber-bound Hulkenberg told Autosport: “I think the team is set up very well now.
“And I think it’s a working organisation and I think we’ve proved that to some extent this year where with the changes that happened over winter.
“It [also] always depends also on many other factors. Commercially – what kind of partners do they have, what are the budget, what are the resources?
“That’s obviously a key element in that kind of question. And I don’t know that going forward, what will happen here.
“But I hear that there is some more exciting stuff in the pipeline for the team, which will only help them, I think.
“And I think Haas is going to be a serious competitor in the years to come, especially definitely next year still because the regulations are stable. 2026 is an unknown for everyone.
“But the exciting thing is 2026 is a white piece of paper and that makes it so interesting for everyone who could do a better job than other teams and stand out.”
Hulkenberg confident Haas can steal sixth place
Hulkenberg has finished inside the top 10 six times this season to contribute 24 of the 31 points that Haas has accumulated across the 18 rounds completed to date.
With six events remaining – including three Sprint races – Hulkenberg is optimistic that Haas holds the momentum as it bids to pip Red Bull’s sister team to sixth place.
“I think we have good momentum,” Hulkenberg told media post-race in Singapore, where he came home in ninth place.
“Now there’s a bit of a break, but the next triple header, I really look forward to probably my favourite time of the season.
“We’re competitive in the races, and in Austin, we actually get further upgrades.
“So that’s encouraging, but I think some good circuits coming for us and our package, and I look forward to hopefully a couple more points.”
READ MORE: Ayao Komatsu: Gene Haas was ‘frustrated’ by excuses for past F1 failures
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