Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg once again teams up with Gabriel Bortoleto for Audi's arrival on the F1 2026 grid. 

Hulkenberg left Haas for Sauber at the end of 2024. On paper, it was likely be a challenging season for the German, given his new team finished bottom of the constructors’ championship last year with just one points finish to their name.

But he ended his unwanted record as the F1 driver with the most races without a podium finish when he came third at the 2025 F1 British Grand Prix. It was a feelgood moment which the entire paddock enjoyed.

For Hulkenberg, his second stint in F1 has given him a new lease of life. Since returning to F1 with Haas in 2023, Hülkenberg has established himself as one of the sport’s top qualifiers and has generally been an impressive performer.

At 38, Hulkenberg is the third-oldest driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Making his F1 debut in 2010 with Williams, Hulkenberg has driven for a host of midfield teams.

After sitting out the 2011 season, Hulkenberg returned to the sport in 2012 before joining Sauber 12 months later. That Sauber move didn’t work out, and he found himself back at Force India for three years.

During the early part of his career, Hülkenberg’s most notable moments were taking pole position in a Williams at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix and challenging the McLarens for victory two years later at Interlagos.

Hulkenberg left Force India to head up Renault's works team. After three years, he was without a drive, having been outperformed by Daniel Ricciardo, while the French manufacturer opted to sign Esteban Ocon.

His stand-in performances during the COVID-hit 2020 campaign meant Hulkenberg remained a key player in the driver market and was in contention to join Red Bull. Red Bull ultimately chose Sergio Perez, leaving Hulkenberg to wait until 2023 to return to the grid, replacing Mick Schumacher at Haas.

Hulkenberg played a major role in Haas’ best championship finish since 2018, finishing seventh in the constructors’ standings with 10 points finishes.