Hulkenberg says Audi F1 project was ‘very tempting’, stays silent on R26 performance

Nico Hulkenberg says the chance to work on Audi’s first Formula 1 car was always “very tempting,” but he has kept his mouth shut on how the R26 actually feels on the track. The German driver, who moved from Haas to Stake for a multi‑year deal, joined the project before the car’s official unveiling, yet he declined to comment on the private filming day in Barcelona because the car wasn’t on genuine F1 tyres.

Why it matters:

• Audi’s entry is one of two new manufacturers (the other being Cadillac) that will join the grid in 2026, potentially reshaping the competitive order.
• Bringing a seasoned driver like Hulkenberg into the development loop adds credibility and valuable feedback for a brand‑new power unit and chassis.
• The level of secrecy around the R26’s performance underscores how tightly regulated and high‑stakes the build‑up to a debut season is.

The details:

• Project appeal – Hulkenberg told RacingNews365, “It’s definitely something very tempting and exciting… to see it come to life, to become a reality, it’s nice.”
• Timing – He joined Stake ahead of the 2025 season, knowing he would be part of Audi’s F1 launch, a key factor in leaving Haas.
• Filming day – Audi ran the R26 on Jan 9 in Barcelona. The car used a “filming tyre” set, not the slicks that generate full‑load grip, so Hulkenberg could not share real‑world impressions.
• Technical state – The car’s livery was revealed in Berlin, but the chassis is still undergoing wind‑tunnel validation and power‑unit integration ahead of the 2026 homologation deadline.

What’s next:

• Audi plans a series of private shakedowns later this year, followed by official FIA testing in early 2026 once the R26 is fitted with the correct tyre specification.
• Hulkenberg will likely continue as a development driver, providing feedback that could shape the car’s aerodynamic package and suspension set‑up.
• The team’s progress will be watched closely by rivals, as a strong debut could accelerate the manufacturer’s climb from newcomer to front‑runner within a few seasons.