Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg drives car #27 for Audi in 2026, with over 250 race starts, 1 pole position, and a best championship finish of 4th through the end of 2025. Born in Emmerich am Rhein on August 19, 1987, he won Le Mans at his first attempt in 2015 with Porsche and has raced in F1 across Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, and Haas before joining Audi.

Hulkenberg held the record for most F1 starts before a maiden podium, a streak he ended at the 2025 British Grand Prix. That long-awaited podium capped a career of consistent points scoring and qualifying performances that have earned respect across the paddock. His pole position at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix as a rookie with Williams in wet conditions remains one of the most impressive single laps in modern F1. He returned to full-time racing with Haas in 2023 after two years as a reserve and substitute driver.

For 2026, Hulkenberg was chosen by Audi to lead their works entry into Formula 1 at Audi, a testament to his reputation as a reliable, technically astute driver capable of guiding a new manufacturer through its formative seasons. He brings over 250 race starts of F1 experience and an engineering mindset that will be essential as Audi builds their programme. His partnership with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto gives him clear seniority within the garage.

Hulkenberg's qualifying pace has remained sharp throughout his career. His ability to extract single-lap performance from any machinery, combined with his precise technical feedback, makes him ideal for a team in the development phase. A competitive Audi could give him the machinery to add further podiums and push for even stronger results.

German fans watching from CET have an ideal schedule for the European season, with most races starting at 14:00 or 15:00 local time. The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in late June is the nearest geographically for German supporters. Check Germany time for timezone conversions throughout the season.

At 38, Hulkenberg brings wisdom and stability to a project that will take time to mature. His role at Audi extends beyond race results; he is the experienced anchor helping a global automotive brand establish its presence in Formula 1's new era.