Even after the Bahrain test weeks, Nico Hülkenberg is not ready to pronounce on the new pecking order in Formula 1. Audi endured a mixed test programme; a tricky shakedown in Barcelona was followed by a much more promising upgrade package. The question remains whether that will be enough for the young German outfit to establish itself in the midfield. On that front Hülkenberg will wait for the opening race weekend in Australia.
Audi is making its long-awaited debut in Formula 1 this year. With backing from Qatari investors the German manufacturer took over the former Sauber team. Sauber has spent recent seasons towards the back of the grid, that first podium for Hülkenberg in 2025 aside. Over the test days Audi did not look especially quick, although it did turn heads with an early upgrade package after the shakedown in Barcelona.
Hülkenberg hopes this season to fight with the other midfield teams, but for now can only “speculate” about the new hierarchy. The experienced German plans to wait until the opening round in Melbourne before assessing his 2026 prospects. “I think we’ve definitely made progress since Barcelona,” he said in Bahrain. “There are absolutely positive points, but it’s still early; there’s always more to do, more to work on, more to optimise. The whole process is still very much in development. We’re learning as we go, doing our homework and then going racing.”
‘In Melbourne the trousers will drop’
The fight in the midfield promises to be brutally close again. While the established top teams — namely Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren — are hunting the championship, the remaining outfits are aiming for the best of the rest title. Hülkenberg is not yet prepared to read the runes on the order between the likes of Williams, Haas and Alpine. “It’s still pure speculation,” he continued. “In Melbourne we can only really say something about that. I’ll wait for qualifying; then every team will have to show their true colours,” he joked.
He is nevertheless satisfied with the steps Audi has taken in recent weeks. “The team worked flat out over the winter,” the German emphasised. “The power unit is a completely new chapter for us. Because everything is new, it has been a busy and challenging period. We’re in a reasonably good position, although there is still plenty of room for improvement. Of course I hope we are competitive and can mix it up in the midfield, but, again, it’s still early. We’ll know more in a few weeks.”
