Audi has taken yet another major step in preparation for its Formula 1 debut in 2026. With the signing of Nico Hulkenberg, they now have an experienced driver who can help them in their ambitious project of becoming a winning F1 team as soon as possible. And according to F1 correspondent and presenter Will Buxton, Hulkenberg’s move will inadvertently put some pressure on Carlos Sainz to consider joining the Audi project.

When Audi decided in 2022 to join Formula 1, they were only interested in being a power unit supplier and acquiring a part of the Sauber Group. However, at the start of the 2024 season, the German manufacturer changed its plan and acquired Sauber completely to accelerate its transition into Audi’s factory team and also named Andreas Seidl as the future CEO of the Audi F1 Team.

With that, it became clear that Audi was taking the F1 project very seriously and wanted to compete at the sharp end of the competition. But to do that, Audi needs more than just good machinery. They also need good drivers if they want to fight for points, podiums, or even race wins, depending on how competitive they are.

On the other hand, Carlos Sainz is one of the proven race winners, whom Audi knew was a free agent for 2025 when they took over Sauber. Furthermore, Sainz’s father also has a longstanding relationship with the German brand through his rallying career. So it’s obvious that Carlos Sainz was on top of the priority list for Audi, and recent reports have suggested that they have offered him a lucrative long-term contract.

This offer was also referenced by Helmut Marko when he acknowledged that Red Bull is in contract talks with Sainz, but couldn’t match the offer made by Audi. Another driver that Audi was interested in was Nico Hulkenberg, who has a wealth of experience in F1 having started more than 200 Grand Prix. And now that Nico has already committed to the Audi project, Sainz might need to consider his options very carefully.

His options are going to get limited with every movement in the driver market this season. And that’s why Will Buxton thinks that Hulkenberg’s signing with Sauber (soon to become Audi) puts pressure on the Spaniard. Buxton took to X  (formerly Twitter) to express his views following the announcement from the Sauber Group. He wrote, “Hulk back to Sauber for its transition to Audi. Will put pressure on Sainz to make his mind up for the other Audi seat as swirling unrest at Red Bull continues to make headlines.”

While it might seem like a downward switch at the moment since Sauber is below Haas in the championship, this move should have made a lot of sense for the German driver.

Why was the Sauber deal too good for Nico Hulkenberg to decline?

Hulkenberg’s contract with Haas is going to run out at the end of 2024. So a deal with Sauber/Audi presented an opportunity for him to extend his career in Formula 1. However, that’s perhaps not the only reason why he chose to sign with the future Audi team. This was also a chance for Nico to be part of a factory team in Formula 1, something all drivers want to do.

Also, being part of a brand as big as Audi and being its first German driver might also open up the possibility of a potential ambassadorial role after his retirement. So it really makes sense for Hulkenberg to agree on a multi-year deal, as he explained in his statement by saying, “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me.”

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Do you think Carlos Sainz will be next to sign a contract with Sauber/Audi? Or should he wait for Red Bull and Mercedes to make up their minds first?