Nico Hulkenberg gives main ‘benefit’ he can bring to Audi over rookie driver

Nico Hulkenberg will be joining Sauber next season in anticipation of their switch to Audi for the big regulation changes that will hit F1 in 2026.

The German driver will be entering his 13th full-time season in F1 having spent the last two with Haas, in which he stands a chance of achieving a highest place of 10th in the Drivers’ Championship this season.

Hulkenberg is known for having the unwanted record for most experienced driver without a podium on the grid, which also extends to him not having a race win in his 225 starts.

The switch to Audi could finally lead to a competitive drive for the German, given Hulkenberg’s Haas engineer has previously said he might be the best qualifier on the grid.

Discussing his future with Audi on the Pirelli Box Box Box podcast, Hulkenberg outlined what he thinks he can bring to the drive other than outright speed.

Nico Hulkenberg says experience most important factor in Sauber drive

The German is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid along with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, which means he will have a lot to offer Audi when they take over the Sauber project and become a full works team.

Hulkenberg will also be paired with F2 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be making the step up following a strong season in the feeder series. His experience will no doubt be an important asset to the Brazilian among other factors.

“Experience does help and you have to have speed, consistency, teams want performance and that gets results so I think first and foremost that’s important,” said Hulkenberg.

“But I think experience brings a whole range of benefits, when you talk about team building, car development, setup work, and it’s just something I have. That’s certainly a benefit over some rookies.”

Haas in battle for sixth in Constructors Championship

Hulkenberg’s performances in the final two races of the season might prove to be crucial in Haas’ championship chances, as they battle for sixth with Alpine and Visa CashApp RB.

Alpine leapfrogged every team from ninth place following their strong result in Brazil with both Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon gaining podiums.

However, Alpine suffered a pointless race in Las Vegas after Gasly retired and the team committed a pit stop gaffe with Ocon. Haas managed to conjure a P8 for Hulkenberg, enabling them to jump back up to sixth.

The American outfit will need to outscore Alpine and RB to stay ahead, which will mean strong qualifying performances for both Hulkenberg and Magnussen.