Nico Hulkenberg’s career in Formula 1 is like no other racer’s. The German has had 215 starts in the F1 Grands Prix but still, he has not found a podium finish at any of them. The 36-year-old is now nearing the age when most racers bow out of F1 such as his fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel (who retired at 34). But even then, Nico is going strong with back-to-back P6 positions at the last two races in Austria and Britain. However, with his existing contract with Haas now coming to an end, there are talks of him joining Audi for their 2026 F1 debut. According to the former Dutch racer Giedo van der Garde, Nico Hulkenberg’s luck might finally shine upon him once he lands the Audi seat.

From 2026, the German manufacturer will enter the F1 business as it will take over the current Sauber team. If Audi becomes successful in producing a race-winning car in their first few seasons, Hulkenberg might get to the F1 podium for the first time thanks to the Neuburg outfit. Despite having amassed a total of 552 points, Hulkenberg has never finished in the top 3 at any F1 race. But van der Garde believes he might accomplish that once Audi enters Formula 1.

Talking about the chances of the German team finally lifting the Hulk’s podium curse, the ex-Caterham F1 driver said to Formule1, “Everything Audi has done in motorsport has been a success. I expect that this will be no different. And Nico is in the prime of his career. I would find it terribly funny if he ended up in a monster of a car and suddenly started winning races.”

But Audi’s prowess is not the only reason Van der Garde thinks Nico Hulkenberg should win races in the upcoming F1 seasons. According to the Dutchman, the Hulk has another curious ‘quality’ that warrants he should chance upon a podium victory soon. What is that quality?

Giedo draws similarity between himself and Nico Hulkenberg

The mystery around Nico Hulkenberg never winning a single Grand Prix despite having debuted in Formula 1 way back in 2010 is riveting. But Giedo van der Garde believes Hulkenberg’s podium-losing streak should soon end and he deserves to win because he knows how to celebrate his success to his heart’s content.

Speaking on why Nico Hulkenberg has to win a podium with Audi very soon, Giedo van der Garde said, “Another important quality of Nico is that he, like me, also likes a beer. Performance is absolutely paramount for him, but you have to celebrate successes every now and then.” Thus, the Hulk does not just have the talent to win in F1, but Giedo believes he also has the appetite for a massive celebration after winning in F1.

Coming to what might happen to Nico Hulkenberg’s career as his deal with Haas will run out before 2025, it looks as if he might have to step back from F1 for a while. This is because Nico is a favorite to take a place under Audi when the team arrives, but that won’t be until 2026. So, for the next season, there are no prospective seats that will probably suit the German. Hulkenberg might need to sit out the silly season now to finally land an Audi seat and get back in the Formula 1 game in 2026.

Does this sound like a good plan to you for the 36-year-old to wait on the sidelines for an F1 seat in ’26? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.