F1 News

Komatsu tried everything to keep Hulkenberg at Haas

Hulkenberg goes to Audi despite efforts by Komatsu

13 May at 12:30
  • Renate van Holst

Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas F1 for Stake Kick Sauber in 2025, and then Audi in 2026, much to the dismay of the American team. According to Hulkenberg, Ayao Komatsu, Haas team boss, did everything possible to keep the German with the team. 

Komatsu gave everything to keep Hulkenberg

Following his return in 2023, after a three-year absence from the grid, Hulkenberg's era at Haas comes to an end. Nevertheless, the German has had a fine time at the team and with his team boss Ayao Komatsu.


Komatsu became team boss of the US team out of nowhere at the beginning of the 2024 season following the sudden departure of Guenther Steiner. Speaking to motorsport.com, Hulkenberg said: "He's doing well. He was really thrown in at the deep end as the new team boss at the beginning of the year."


"In February, he had a driver’s contract in his hands for the first time in his life. That’s also special, and there are a few things you have to know and see first. Up until the announcement, it was great working with him. Also in terms of coordination. I spoke to him openly about it a few weeks ago, that there was a good dynamic and that a decision would probably be made sooner rather than later."


"He fought, he gave everything," Hulkenberg says. Still, his decision was firm. "Haas is the team that made my comeback possible. But at the end of the day, the better sporting prospect for me personally is simply with Audi."

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.