Audi’s Formula 1 Project: Nico Hülkenberg Emerges as Priority Driver

While preparations for Audi’s Formula 1 project are in full swing, Nico Hülkenberg is reported to be a priority for the team.

The new F1 2026 regulations have lured Audi to F1 by entering into a partnership with Sauber, which will receive the status of an Audi factory team and will drive their newly developed power unit.

Although we still have more than two seasons to go before Audi starts racing in Formula 1, there are already rumors about the drivers who will form their first Formula 1 line-up.

According to Motorsport, Audi has set its sights on the only German driver on the F1 grid, current Haas F1 driver Hülkenberg, while Ocon is also on the wish list to complete the all-French Alpine line-up alongside Pierre Gasly.

Hülkenberg returned to Formula 1 in 2023 and is very impressive behind the wheel of the VF-23. His highlight was undoubtedly second place during qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, so it is no surprise that German car giant Audi has made Hülkenberg its ‘priority driver’.

The article further states that Alpine drivers Ocon and Gasly are eligible for the second seat, although ‘several experts’ point to Ocon as the one who will get the seat. However, it looks like we won’t have to wait until 2026 to see Hülkenberg and/or Ocon in action.

With the alliance between Sauber and Alfa Romeo coming to an end at the end of F1 2023, Sauber has two seasons of preparation before entering its Audi era. However, the intention is for Hülkenberg and Ocon to be behind the wheel from 2025, the season preceding the transition to Audi.

In the meantime, Audi and Sauber are working hard in the background to prepare their F1 adventure. Sauber is in the process of expanding its current workforce from 550 to 800, while Audi’s engine project continues to be developed, led by input from former Red Bull test driver Neel Jani.

Both Haas and Alpine are currently in a difficult position. Haas has been disappointed with its major upgrade package introduced at the US Grand Prix to take it down the ‘Red Bull concept’ route. Alpine is in sixth place in the constructors’ championship. Progress there has come to a standstill.