'Audi deal Hulkenberg as good as done, Sainz must make decision soon'
Rumors
From 2026, Audi will enter Formula 1. The German carmaker will be entering and taking over from Stake F1 Team, but that will change when the new engine regulations go into effect. That is not the only thing that will change within the team, as it seems that Nico Hulkenberg is already as good as settled for a contract.
Currently, Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas are still driving for the Stake F1 Team, but Audi are already preparing to change that driving lineup for 2026.
'Hulkenberg almost complete with Audi'
F1-Insider.com reported on Wednesday afternoon that the deal between Hulkenberg and Audi is already almost complete. The contract, which would be a three-year contract, would only need to be signed. meaning that the German will drive for the team from 2025, a year before Audi's entry point.
It also seems to be finished for Bottas at the team currently called Stake F1 Team, so the ideal successor from the Finn is Carlos Sainz. Seidl is waiting for the Spaniard to make a decision on his future. The CEO of Audi's future Formula 1 team would like an answer from Sainz around the middle of May, otherwise, the team will switch to other contenders, for example, Pierre Gasly or Esteban Ocon. So time is running out for the Ferrari driver.