Nico Hulkenberg’s “For Better or Worse” Confession Hints at German Driver’s Decade-Old Podium Dream

Hundreds of race starts and not a single podium earned- this is the story of the German ‘Hulk’, Nico Hulkenberg. He has been the other name for disappointment since his debut in 2010. However, the Audi-bound driver continues to chase his podium dreams. Hulkenberg is optimistic about his future with a great first half of 2024 and a soon swift of teams for next year.

Nico is strongly running Haas‘ train in F1 this season. After fourteen races, the driver has 22 points, sitting in the 11th pace. Despite Haas’ good upgrades, nothing can change Hulkenberg’s mind about moving out. His move to Audi excites many. A German driver, driving for a German manufacturer has never been seen in F1. This makes things “special in a certain way,” but was “not the decisive factor,” said Hulkenberg.

Speaking with Motorsport Total, F1’s ‘Hulk’ said that the new team’s framework enticed him to accept the offer. The fact that everything at Audi has a larger framework is more important: “I like this expression: Yes, the framework is larger – for better or for worse.” Hulkenberg further clarifies: “But yes, it’s more about the big picture- about the future. I changed for a reason, there is a strategy and a reason behind it. That’s why it is like this now.” Moreover, he hasn’t yet given up on winning a podium in his career. Now, Nico Hulkenberg hopes to reach for the stars in Formula 1 with the four rings in the medium term.

Nico’s second year at Haas has been great so far. The West Germany native’s bounce back into the sport is a story worth remembering. Moreover, his quick decision in picking Audi surely points towards a greater strategy which only 2025 shall reveal. Nonetheless, Hulkenberg has given us a little glimpse.

What attracted Nico Hulkenberg to choose a new team like Audi?

Nico Hulkenberg kept most of his transfer a secret but revealed his “ten minutes” phone call with Audi CEO Gerbot Dollner. Those ten minutes altered the direction of his F1 future, as, soon after, ‘Hulk’ was announced as the primary driver for Audi in 2025. Hulkenberg had not expected the boss to call in person. “I don’t know how important that was, but it’s nice of course because it shows respect and how serious he and the brand are about not taking this lightly,” explained the current Haas driver. “They pay attention, they see what’s happening and what’s going on – that was good, very good,” praised Hulkenberg.

He further noted that Dollner gave him the specifications of why Nico would be an important figure on the new team. This seemed to have impressed the veteran, who also did his math. The German, however, has no illusions about the fact that he has a lot of work ahead of him with the Ingolstadt-based Formula 1 project. The current Sauber team that will turn into Audi next year needs major renovations. With the exit of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman and the entry of Mattia Binnoto and Jonathan Wheatley, the air remains dense. Also, Hulkenberg’s teammate hasn’t been decided upon, with options like Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Zhou Guanyu, who will take the second team?

Further developments await as Audi’s hunt for Nico Hulkenberg’s partner continues with full force. In the meantime, the German driver continues to relax during the ongoing summer break. Fans expect ‘Hulk’ to perform just as well or better with more training and races ahead, as the question remains: Can Nico Hulkenberg clinch his first career podium with Audi? 2025 will give the answers.

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