Formula 1 - Huelkenberg unconcerned about personnel matter at Audi
The future Audi factory driver Nico Hülkenberg (36) was personally informed about the personnel changes at the German Formula-1 project by Audi-Boss Gernot Döllner. Hülkenberg spoke before the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps about an "unexpected change" at his new team, which had exchanged two executives from the management level. Döllner informed him personally on the day of the announcement. Such a decision would also show that the board boss is "very involved" and "active."
Audi announced on Tuesday the separation of Andreas Seidl, the former business manager of the future Audi factory team, and Oliver Hoffmann, the last General Power of Attorney for the Formula-1 project. "Of course, they were decisive, they were the ones we made the deal with," Hülkenberg admitted. However, large projects like this are not dependent on two people. "In Formula 1, everyone is replaceable."
Hülkenberg is still driving for the US team Haas in this season. Next year, he will start for Kick Sauber, which will become the Audi factory team from 2026. He is "not concerned" about the personnel changes, Hülkenberg said. It was indeed "a little shock," but now we have to get back to normal. "I'm still excited to join the project and write a success story with Audi."
As of August 1, Mattia Binotto is responsible for the Formula-1 project at Audi. "I know Mattia from the past, from the driver circle, but I have never worked with him. That will change in a few months," Hülkenberg said before the last race before the summer break.
Nico Hülkenberg's move to the Audi factory team in 2026, previously known as Kick Sauber, will take place following his current stint with the US team Haas in Formula-1. This shift is significant as Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, is a venue where Hülkenberg has had to navigate through an "unexpected change" in his team's management structure.
Gernot Döllner, the Audi-Boss, played a key role in informing Hülkenberg about the personnel changes within the German Formula-1 project. Döllner's personal approach highlighted his commitment and involvement to the project, demonstrating that he is an "active" figure in its management.
The news of the separation of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann from the Audi Formula-1 project caused a ripple of anticipation. As Hülkenberg explained, the project's success is not dependent on two individuals and that "in Formula-1, everyone is replaceable."
Following these changes, Mattia Binotto assumed responsibility for the Formula-1 project at Audi as of August 1. Hülkenberg, who is already familiar with Binotto from the driver circle, expressed excitement about their upcoming collaboration, stating that they will work together in the coming months.
Such personnel changes within the Formula-1 scene, as seen in the transition involving Audi, Haas, and Sauber, underscores the dynamic nature and international scope of the Motorsport industry, where Belgium and Germany are significant players.
