Hülkenberg reacts to surprising departures of Audi CEO and chairman
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Nico Hülkenberg, who has tied his Formula One future to Audi, expressed his surprise this week following the sudden exit of CEO Andreas Seidl and chairman Oliver Hoffmann from Audi's F1 project.
Hülkenberg, currently racing for Haas, is set to join Sauber as they transition into an Audi works team in 2026. His multi-year contract was secured with Seidl and Hoffmann earlier this year. However, both executives will not be part of the team when he joins next season.
"That was obviously a bit of a wave, a bit of a shock," said Hülkenberg. "But now, obviously, it's back to business. And I still look forward to join that project and make it a successful story with or without the fact that, you know, two people that were closely involved in signing me are not there anymore. Of course, maybe it's a bit sad, but, I'm more interested about the project, joining Formula One with Audi and making it a successful story."
The departure announcements came from Audi on Tuesday, accompanied by the news that former Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, will step into a pivotal role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.
Hülkenberg disclosed that he learned about the management changes only on the day of the announcement, receiving a call from Audi Group CEO Gernot Donner.
"Well, of course, they were influential. These were the two guys we did the deal with," Hülkenberg commented on Seidl and Hoffmann. "So that's that, kind of an unexpected change. But I was informed, the day of the announcement about the group's decision by Gernot Donner himself. It's the group's decision that they want to change moving forward. I think big projects like this, in the management, people that are big pillars of such projects, but they never just rely on one or two persons. And in Formula One, everyone is kind of changeable."
Regarding Binotto, Hülkenberg mentioned, "In terms of Mattia, I know him, obviously, from the past from the paddock, but I've never worked with him. But that will change in a few months."
Despite the abrupt leadership changes, Hülkenberg is not concerned, emphasizing Audi's strong commitment to their Formula One ambitions leading up to 2026.
"I think it shows that, you know, the CEO of Audi and everyone is looking there, seeing where they are involved. The fact that they take action means that they're very much involved and invested in it and hands on. And that's, I think, good and positive news," he concluded.
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