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Nico Hulkenberg Optimistic About Haas’s Future in Formula 1

Nico Hulkenberg is confident that Haas’s recent investment initiatives will position the team as a “serious competitor” in Formula 1 moving forward. As he prepares for his transition to Sauber, which will evolve into Audi by 2026, Hulkenberg reflects on his positive experiences with the American team.

After two productive years with Haas—one under the previous management of Guenther Steiner and another under Ayao Komatsu, the new engineering director—Hulkenberg has noted significant improvements. The current state of the car has been vital, with its design no longer resulting in excessive tire degradation during races.

This change has enabled Hulkenberg to consistently showcase his qualifying abilities since his return to full-time racing in 2023, resulting in six impressive points finishes. Teammate Kevin Magnussen and substitute driver Ollie Bearman have also contributed to the team’s success, bringing the total points haul close to RB in a competitive race for sixth place in the constructor standings.

Gene Haas, the team’s owner, has approved a recruitment plan aimed at expanding the current workforce of 300 by 10%. Along with scaling up the team, there are also plans for significant upgrades at their facility in Banbury, UK.

Looking Ahead: Haas’s Competitive Edge

In an exclusive interview with Autosport, when asked about Haas’s prospects after his departure for Sauber, Hulkenberg expressed optimism: “I think the team is set up very well now.” He believes that the organizational changes implemented during the off-season have shown their effectiveness throughout the current year.

However, he acknowledged that various factors beyond the team’s control will influence future success, such as financial partnerships and resource allocation. “Commercially – what kind of partners do they have, what are the budgets, what are the resources?” he noted, emphasizing the importance of these elements.

Hulkenberg hinted at promising developments on the horizon for Haas, which could enhance the team’s competitive stance. “I think Haas is going to be a serious competitor in the years to come,” he asserted, particularly as the regulations remain stable for the following season.

The Challenge of 2026

Looking further ahead, Hulkenberg acknowledged that 2026 presents an uncertain landscape for all teams due to anticipated regulatory changes. “2026 is an unknown for everyone, but the exciting thing is 2026 is a blank canvas,” he remarked, suggesting that it offers a unique opportunity for teams to excel and differentiate themselves in the grid.

For additional insights, the full interview with Hulkenberg is available here.

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www.motorsport.com