Nico Hulkenberg gives interesting answer when asked about Audi joining F1 in 2026

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Nico Hulkenberg has responded after being asked about Audi joining the F1 grid in 2026.

Hulkenberg was speaking to journalist Tom Clarkson on the Beyond The Grid Podcast.

They chatted about his time in Formula 1 and how this season has gone so far at Haas.

Nico Hulkenberg was introduced to the team this season on a full-time basis after replacing fellow German Mick Schumacher.

Hulkenberg has outscored teammate Kevin Magnussen by nine points to two so far this season.

He’s also consistently out-qualified the Dane and is now closing in on 200 Formula 1 races.

Hulkenberg was asked about the prospect of driving for Audi when the manufacturer joins F1 in 2026.

They’ll be teaming up with Sauber and have already announced their first driver for the project.

The 36-year-old driver would be an interesting choice if they want a home-grown racer in the car.

He’s currently the only German on the grid although a lot can change over the next few seasons.

Hulkenberg responds to Audi joining F1

Asked about the chance to join Audi, Hulkenberg said: “I feel that your imagination is burning through with you right now.

“It’s definitely one of the very attractive projects right now and prospects for a new brand coming into F1, very exciting.

“A German manufacturer as well, people that I’ve worked with and done really well before.

“Yeah, it all sounds really nice and good on paper, obviously I need to put in the good work, keep driving convincing drives to maybe have a shot there. But only time will tell.”

If Red Bull’s domination of the sport continues for the next two seasons, then drivers might be queuing up to join a new team to see if they can finally provide the necessary competition.

Clarkson suggested earlier in the season that Lando Norris might be interested in joining the team, although that was before McLaren delivered several podiums for the Brit.

Hulkenberg would be a good fit for Audi when they join F1 given his experience in the sport.

The chances of the team doing a Brawn and immediately delivering a Championship-winning car seem very slim.

However, in a sport that needs more competition right now, their entrance can’t come soon enough.