"Audi signed me ahead of guys with grand prix wins", insists Hulkenberg

Having recently secured a race seat at the Sauber team that will be Audi's works outfit in 2026, Nico Hulkenberg sounded a positive note when he reflected on the German manufacturer's trust in him.

Following the announcement of the complete takeover of the Sauber Group to accelerate preparations for the brand’s entry into F1, Audi confirmed at the end of April that Nico Hulkenberg will join the Swiss-German team in 2025.

The German team, who currently competes with Haas, will be driving for Sauber as early as 2025 and accompany the transformation to the factory team.

Hulkenberg has completed over 200 F1 races, but he is yet to stand on the podium. He holds the record for completing the highest number of F1 rounds without a podium finish.

Reflecting on this stat, Hulkenberg said: "If you want to know how I feel about stats... I couldn't care less."

"Of course, I would like to stand here and have grand prix victories under my belt and a world championship. Of course. Otherwise, I'm talking lies. But my career went how it went.

"There were a few opportunities missed for different reasons. I have accepted that. I digested that. I feel very happy about my career, and I'm very comfortable in my skin."

Reflecting on Audi's decision, Hulkenberg proudly stated that the fact that the German marque signed him instead of rivals, who have achieved more impressive results, is a confirmation that Audi rates him high.

"And I think, again... that a company like Audi, with such a project, would sign me ahead of a lot of guys with grand prix wins, with better stats, is a very powerful statement. I think that says it all."