Hulkenberg confident in Audi F1 future after factory visit: “I am impressed”

Nico Hulkenberg is "impressed" after exploring Audi's F1 project, visiting the German manufacturer's Neuburg facility. Here, the development of the 2026 hybrid power unit is heavily underway. The German driver, who joined Audi's project at the beginning of this season, was given a tour of the operation by Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker and Chief Technical Officer Stefan Dreyer.

"I am impressed by what I have seen," he confirmed. "The facility demonstrates how seriously Audi takes F1.

"Everything Audi has done in motorsport has been executed with precision. After Adam [Baker] and Stefan [Dryer] gave me a tour of the factory, I am excited by the progress the team has made on the 2026 power unit.

"It was a pleasure to talk to the people in Neuburg and feel their passion. They are all working tirelessly and with dedication to make this project a success. I'm proud to be a part of this journey and excited for the years ahead."

This enthusiasm comes after he signed with Sauber in April of 2024 on a multi-year contract, with the outfit set to transform into an Audi factory team in 2026 with the German at the helm. 

The facility that impressed Hulkenberg is at the heart of the project. The Competence Center Motorsport has been specifically expanded for its F1 development, with a new 3,000 square metre building housing its engine development equipment. According to recent updates, Audi has already simulated a race distance in dyno tests. According to Audi Formula Racing’s CEO Adam Baker, the team is successful so far in its work.

“After just two years, our power unit, consisting of a combustion engine, electric motor, battery and control electronics, is running dynamically on the test bench.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“Successfully marrying the various components into a single unit is the result of hard work and great teamwork.

“The Audi Power Unit has already covered simulated race distances on the test bench. We gained a lot of testing time with the individual components in 2023 and were able to incorporate the experience gained into the next construction stages in parallel.

“Significant milestones and goals have been achieved, which gives the entire team a good feeling.”

The complete power unit, including the energy recovery system, electric motor, battery, combustion engine, and transmission, is being developed in-house at Neuburg, but the project is operating from two locations. The chassis is being developed in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the current Sauber team is based, utilising its current infrastructure.