Nico Hulkenberg has expressed that he’s “not concerned” with Audi’s management upheaval prior to its Formula 1 venture despite admitting that it came as a “shock”.
The decision comes amid rumours regarding a civil war in the Audi ranks as the German marque prepares to take over the uncompetitive Sauber-ran team from 2026.
Seidl and Hoffmann have exited while Audi has opted to hand the reins to ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, who will become Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer.
Hulkenberg, who will leave Haas to move to Sauber next term as it prepares to morph into Audi, has revealed that he was informed about the development on the day.
“Of course they were influential, these were the two guys we did the deal with,” Hulkenberg said. “So, that’s that. Obviously, kind of an unexpected change.
“But, obviously, I was informed [on] the day of the announcement about the group’s decision by Gernot Dollner [Audi CEO] himself.
“And, you know, that’s the group’s decision that they want to change moving forward.
“I think big projects like this, you know, you have obviously in the management people that are big pillars of such projects.
“But they never just rely on one or two persons. So, you know, in F1 everyone is, you know, kind of changeable.
“And in terms of Mattia, I know him, obviously, from the past, from the paddock, but I’ve never worked with him. But that will change in a few months.”
Hulkenberg has denied that the unexpected shake-up within the Audi ranks has created doubts over his move, citing that the venture is bigger than single individuals.
“No, not concerned,” he said. “Now, that was obviously a bit of a wave, a bit of a shock. But now, obviously, it’s back to business.
“I still look forward to join that project and to make it a successful story with Audi.
“The fact that two people that were closely involved beside me are not there anymore, of course, maybe a bit sad.
“But I’m more interested about the project, joining Formula One with Audi and making it a successful story.”
Instead, the experienced German views it as a positive that Audi is prepared to make big calls in order to ensure that the team is well-poised to hit the ground running.
“I think it shows that the CEO of Audi and that everyone is looking, they’re aware, they are involved,” he explained.
“You know, and like you say, the fact that they take action means, you know, they’re very much involved and invested in it and hands-on. And that’s, I think, good and positive news, yeah.”
Asked whether a conversation had taken place with Binotto since it was publicised that the Swiss-Italian engineer would return to F1, Hulkenberg answered: “Yes.”
Sauber remain the sole team still to score in the ongoing season, but Hulkenberg has stressed that small steps in the lower midfield can catapult a side up the order.
“Look, obviously, I see it weekend in, weekend out, because they are in our group of teams and cars that we compete against,” he added.
“And it’s a very fine line between hero and zero. And two tenths can mean you have a very different weekend, very good or very bad.
“So, you know, I witness that every weekend. And I know that small things can have a very big impact and make a big change, a big difference.
“So, you know, I’m still confident going into next year that, you know, with some more positive inputs in their side and some things I can bring and maybe change, that, you know, we can turn it around even already next year. I’m not saying, you know, a huge step, but it only takes a few small steps in the midfield to be at the right end of it.
“You know, I’ll remain positive. And that’s all I’d say.”
