Audi's internal politics put Hulkenberg under pressure
A Swiss-German power struggle inside Audi's F1 project, not his form against rookie teammate Bortoleto, is the real threat to Nico Hulkenberg's seat, one German journalist claims.
Nico Hulkenberg's place at Audi is reportedly becoming another storyline to watch in Formula 1's growing driver market.
According to German journalist Ralf Bach, speaking to f1-insider.com, internal politics rather than outright performance issues could become a problem for the experienced German.
"I have the feeling that there's a bit too much politics going on at Audi," Bach said.
"There's the Swiss group, then there are the Germans. I don't yet get the impression that they're all pulling in the same direction."
Bach even suggested 38-year-old Hulkenberg's position may be weakening, especially as he has often been shown up this year by younger teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.
"I think that perhaps even Nico Hulkenberg will have a problem for these reasons," he said.
"Hulkenberg is no longer as popular with the team management, especially with Mattia Binotto, as he perhaps was last year.
"I think he has to be a bit careful."
The comments come as Carlos Sainz continues to be linked with a possible Audi switch for 2027, having told Williams not to push for contract negotiations until the summer break.
Nico Hulkenberg snapshot
| F1 debut | 2010 (Williams) |
|---|---|
| Current team | Audi (formerly Sauber) |
| World championships | 0 |
| Born | 19 August 1987, Emmerich am Rhein, Germany |
See also: the F1 all-time archive on F1-Fansite.
Related: Binotto backs Hulkenberg at Audi as Sainz feels Williams strain
3 F1 Fan comments on “Audi's internal politics put Hulkenberg under pressure”
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He’d only be sacrifized for Sainz, so he’s safe as long as Sainz doesn’t decide to leave Williams, not to mention Sainz doesn’t even need contract negotitations since he’s under contract until at least next year’s end; hence, he only needs to inform them whether he still intends to honor the existing contract or leave early.
Sainz doesn’t even need contract negotiations since he’s under contract until at least next year’s end
Not what multiple sites on google report
When his Williams move was announced, he was mentioned in the official statement to have signed a multi-year contract beyond 2025, which means until at least next year's end.