Hulkenberg open to racing beyond 40 on Audi's long road

Nico Hulkenberg has confirmed he has no immediate plans to retire from Formula 1, even as Audi targets full competitiveness by 2030. The German driver expressed willingness to continue racing past the age of 40 amid the team's long-term project.

Nico Hulkenberg, currently driving for Haas but set to join Audi's Formula 1 effort, stated that he has no plans to retire anytime soon. This comes despite Audi's acknowledgment that achieving full competitiveness in the sport may not occur until the end of the decade, specifically aiming for 2030.

In comments reported by GMM, Hulkenberg emphasized his openness to extending his career beyond 40 to support Audi's ambitious entry into F1. The team, partnering with Sauber, is building towards a stronger presence, but the timeline suggests a patient build-up rather than instant success.

Hulkenberg's experience, including his role in the 2023 season, positions him as a key figure in Audi's strategy. No further details on his contract or specific racing plans were provided in the statements.

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Audi's 2026 F1 car R26 with silver, black, and red livery unveiled in Berlin, flanked by drivers Hülkenberg and Bortoleto.
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Audi unveils striking livery for 2026 F1 debut

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Audi has revealed the silver, black and red livery for its first Formula 1 car, the R26, at a launch event in Berlin. The German manufacturer, entering as a full works team after acquiring Sauber, aims to challenge for championships by 2030 despite a humble start. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will spearhead the effort under team principal Jonathan Wheatley.

The team once called Kick Sauber transitions to Audi for the 2026 Formula 1 season, retaining its driver lineup amid rising momentum. After a ninth-place finish in 2025, Audi aims to build on recent progress with experienced hands and fresh talent. The German manufacturer's debut as a full works team sets the stage for ambitious long-term goals.

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Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 will face formidable competition from established power unit giants Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, but the team is ready to endure early setbacks. Chief technical officer Mattia Binotto emphasized the need for humility and learning from reliability issues to aim for success by 2030. Recent testing in Barcelona highlighted initial technical gremlins.

Valtteri Bottas has expressed enthusiasm for Cadillac's upcoming Formula 1 debut, describing the 2026 season as 'epic.' The 36-year-old Finnish driver is set to return to the grid with the new American team after spending a year as Mercedes' reserve driver.

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Former Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has praised Max Verstappen's evolution in Formula 1, stating the driver no longer requires guidance. In an interview, the 82-year-old reflected on their shared achievements after stepping down from his role at the end of 2025. Marko expressed confidence in Verstappen's future success with the right equipment.

George Russell expressed optimism about Mercedes' new 2026 Formula 1 car following a positive Barcelona shakedown, describing it as not a 'turd' but cautioning that it's too early to predict championship success. The British driver, favored for the title after a strong 2025 season, highlighted the challenges of the new regulations while praising rivals like Red Bull. Team principal Toto Wolff echoed the tempered expectations, emphasizing the need for proven performance.

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As Formula 1's 2026 car launch season begins, Haas is set to unveil its new machine online on Monday, following Red Bull and Racing Bulls' reveals in Detroit. The American team has deepened its ties with Toyota, becoming the TGR Haas F1 Team, while facing ongoing challenges from larger rivals. Under team principal Ayao Komatsu, Haas aims to build on recent progress with drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.

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