Nico Hulkenberg was caught off guard by Audi’s recent executive changes. Here’s what happened and what it means for the future.
- Audi replaced Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann with Mattia Binotto just before the Belgian Grand Prix.
- The management shift is linked to Sauber’s recent performance issues and internal power struggles.
- Hulkenberg is unaffected and remains optimistic about joining Audi’s F1 project in 2025.
- He believes the changes show Audi’s commitment to the project and looks forward to working with Binotto.
Nico Hulkenberg expressed his surprise at Audi’s recent decision to replace Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann with Mattia Binotto. This shake-up occurred just before the Belgian Grand Prix and followed Sauber’s recent poor performance and internal conflicts between Seidl and Hoffmann.
Audi’s decision, which came nearly two years after announcing its 2026 F1 entry and selecting Seidl to lead the effort, aims to address the slipping performance of the Sauber team. The introduction of Binotto is seen as a decisive move to get the project back on track, with his duties commencing in early August.
Hulkenberg, who is set to join the team in 2025 to gain experience before Audi’s formal entry into F1, stated he had a brief conversation with Binotto but had not spoken with Seidl. When asked if he had concerns about the stability of the team, Hulkenberg was unfazed, focusing instead on the project’s potential.
He acknowledged the roles Seidl and Hoffmann played in his decision to sign with Audi/Sauber but emphasized that the project itself was his main interest. “The fact that two people who were closely involved in signing me are not there anymore is of course maybe a bit sad. But I am more interested about the project, joining Formula 1 with Audi and making it a successful story,” said Hulkenberg.
Informed of the changes by Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, Hulkenberg noted that in F1, management changes are not uncommon and projects do not rely solely on a few individuals. He is familiar with Binotto from the paddock but has not worked with him directly.
The move signifies Audi’s commitment and hands-on approach to their F1 venture, addressing the current issues and demonstrating their investment in the project’s future success. Hulkenberg remains positive about the changes, seeing them as a sign of Audi’s dedication to the team’s growth.
Hulkenberg looks forward to contributing to Audi’s success in Formula 1, despite the unexpected management changes.
