Nico Hülkenberg has a positive outlook on Audi’s F1 plans after joining the brand for an exclusive inspection at their advanced Neuburg development site dedicated to the 2026 power unit construction. Sauber has signed the German driver to a multi-year agreement that begins in April 2024 and he will become the team leader when Audi factory enters the Formula 1 in 2026.
The visit of Hülkenberg at Audi Competence Center Motorsport served as proof of the manufacturer’s dedicated stance toward its upcoming F1 entry. The project leader Adam Baker together with technical lead Stefan Dreyer provided the driver with exclusive access to the Neuburg-based operations at Audi Formula Racing.
Hülkenberg reacted with admiration toward the Audi works he viewed during his inspection. The facility shows that Audi views F1 competition with full seriousness. The company executes all its motorsports initiatives with exact precision. My involvement with Adam Baker and Stefan Dreyer in factory exploration left me filled with excitement about the 2026 power unit development at Audi Formula Racing.
The praise serves to demonstrate Hülkenberg’s faith in the project together with Audi’s thorough approach to motorsport at its highest level.
The Neuburg power unit hub expanded substantially because Audi dedicated it as the main development center for their F1 power units. Engine development testing systems alongside research facilities operate from within a completely new 3,000 square meter structure. Multiple specialist teams consisting of 25 different nationalities work together at their Audi headquarters to guarantee the power unit will start with competitive performance.
The most important achievement so far involves running a complete race distance simulation with Audi’s prototype power unit on their test bench. Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker states that the initial test outcomes are positive.
The power unit containing a combustion engine alongside electric motor and battery features control electronics has attained dynamic operation on test bench systems after its two-year development period Baker disclosed. The end result of combining different components into one system stems from intensive labor effort and premium collaborative methods.
The powertrain division at Audi has achieved major test objectives during 2023 and now conducts updates for the year 2026.
The F1 expert Hülkenberg brings crucial technical abilities to Audi because of his proven track record of maximizing vehicle performance. His extended commitment to Sauber will position him as a vital link for Audi as the team transitions from privateer operation to Audi’s official works squad in 2026.
Hülkenberg will provide essential input to help Audi develop its power unit systems as well as enhance the entire vehicle design. During his time in Neuburg he escalated his support for the project by witnessing how the team conformed with its common purpose.
Hülkenberg found it rewarding to meet people from Neuburg who showed strong enthusiasm. Every team member at Neuburg dedicates themselves to the achievement of this project success. The upcoming years with this project fill me with a strong sense of pride because I am so happy to participate.
Development of both the power unit and the chassis is taking place at separate locations where Neuburg handles the power unit and Sauber’s Hinwil facility maintains control of the chassis. Audi implements its powertrain development at Neuburg alongside existing Sauber manufacturing infrastructure to build brand-new components.
The future success of Audi F1 entry in 2026 depends on their current major achievements and ongoing advancements along with their solid foundation. Based on Hülkenberg’s positive outlook it seems likely that Audi might establish itself as a major competitor on the starting grid before the expected timeline.
The arrival of Audi in F1 during its forthcoming sustainable hybrid engine age defines an exciting milestone for the motorsport world. Having Hülkenberg as their experienced driver positions Audi Sport for strong beginnings during the 2026 F1 season start.
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