The first pilot of the Audi F1 team was Nico Hülkenberg. Hülkenberg has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber and will join the Audi factory team in 2026. will compete.
In the statement made on this subject, the following was stated: “There has been a new development in Audi’s efforts to take part in Formula 1 in 2026. Audi, which recently announced its decision to completely take over the Sauber Group, has now announced the team’s first driver: Nico Hülkenberg. The German pilot will contribute to the development of Audi’s future team with his experience gained in more than 200 F1 races he participated in. Stating that the agreement is the next milestone for Audi’s Formula 1 project, Audi F1 factory team CEO Andreas Seidl said: “Hülkenberg will contribute to Audi entering 2026 from next year with his speed, experience and devoted team work. From the very beginning there was a great mutual desire to tackle this unique project together. Nico is a strong personality. “His professional and personal determination and drive will help us make progress both in the development of the car and in building the team.” said. Nico Hülkenberg said: “The possibility of racing for Audi is something very special. It is a unique opportunity for a German manufacturer to enter Formula 1 with such determination. “It is a great honor for me to represent the factory team of such an automobile brand with a German-made power unit.” He expressed his feelings with his words.
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The news of the agreement with Nico Hülkenberg follows the announcement in March of the full takeover of Sauber and the appointment of Oliver Hoffmann as General Representative of the Audi Board of Directors in the Formula 1 formation. In this role, Hoffmann also chairs the boards of directors of all Sauber companies and the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is responsible for the development of the power unit at the Neuburg plant.