Among all F1 drivers, Nico Hulkenberg is undoubtedly one of the most experienced in the current grid. But still, he has zero podium wins (race wins are a far cry) even after 215 Grand Prix starts. However, the German’s talent is enough to place him as one of the frontrunners in the quest for a seat at Audi’s Formula 1 venture when the team makes a debut in 2026. As his marketing and partnerships manager, Raoul Spanger gave some insight into what makes Nico Hulkenberg a great choice for Sauber-Audi.

Even at 36, the Haas racer still manages top 10 finishes at several Grands Prix in a row when his teammate Kevin Magnussen struggles to score points. Currently 11th on the World Championship standings, Hulkenberg has 22 points to his name (while Magnussen has managed to score just 5 points so far). Moreover, in the last two Grands Prix in Austria and Britain, the Hulk scored two back-to-back P6 positions by leaving heavyweights like Alonso, Leclerc, and Perez behind. These results have further boosted his chances of getting the call from Audi to join the new team as a recruit.

Speaking on all the favorable points that work in Nico Hulkenberg’s favor, Spanger elaborated on the German’s appeal to Audi. The marketer told Formule1: “Hulkenberg’s German passport is obviously an advantage.” As Audi is a German manufacturer, it will require its recruits to shift close to its headquarters in Neuburg, and Hulkenberg will have no problem with that since he is a resident of the country. This is an obvious reason for Audi favoring the Hulk, as per Spanger.

Then, Raoul also mentioned other key factors setting Nico Hulkenberg apart, saying, “His experience also helps, but I think his performance on the track since his comeback has been very consistent. In Formula 1 it is very difficult to perform well for 22 or 24 race weekends in a row. And he can do that like no other.” But Hulkenberg is already in his mid-30s, and this is the time when F1 racers like Sebastian Vettel have bowed out of the sport. So, will the German be able to shift to a new team and perform on par with the younger competition? Well, Spanger believes Fernando Alonso has shown the path for many drivers in this regard.

Fernando Alonso lends an example for Nico Hulkenberg’s Audi consideration

As a new 2026 entrant, Audi needs racers who can deliver consistent scores with a multi-year contract. While Nico Hulkenberg is consistent, the German will be 38 by the time Audi debuts in F1 with Sauber. So, the team might not take him up because the Hulk will be at an age when most F1 racers retire from the sport. However, Hulkenberg’s marketer believes otherwise. Raoul Spanger takes Fernando Alonso‘s example to explain how the Spaniard has been able to score way better than his 20-something opponents despite being 42.

Discussing the possibility of Nico Hulkenberg not making the cut for Audi because of his age, Spanger said, “Nico is in the form of his life, both physically and mentally super fit. Sure, he’s already 36 years old, but that doesn’t mean anything. Fernando Alonso is 42 and has more than proven that sufficiently. In that sense, he has done a great job of advertising for us and showing the Audi decision-makers that working with a driver well into his thirties involves less risk.”

With the stage all set for Audi’s entrance into Formula 1, several racers are hoping to catch the German manufacturer’s eye for a seat on the new team. While Nico Hulkenberg is one of the frontrunners, there is also a possibility that Audi will bring drivers from outside the existing pool to fill the team. Also, there is a rumor that Carlos Sainz might take up an offer from the German manufacturers too.

So, which racer would you want to see at Audi in the 2026 season and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.