JULY 2, 2026

Audi politics put Hulkenberg under pressure?

Nico Hulkenberg's place at Audi is reportedly becoming another storyline to watch in Formula 1's growing driver market.

According to German journalist Ralf Bach, speaking to f1-insider.com, internal politics rather than outright performance issues could become a problem for the experienced German.

I have the feeling that there's a bit too much politics going on at Audi, Bach said.

There's the Swiss group, then there are the Germans. I don't yet get the impression that they're all pulling in the same direction.

Bach even suggested 38-year-old Hulkenberg's position may be weakening, especially as he has often been shown up this year by younger teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.

I think that perhaps even Nico Hulkenberg will have a problem for these reasons, he said.

"Hulkenberg is no longer as popular with the team management, especially with Mattia Binotto, as he perhaps was last year.

I think he has to be a bit careful.

The comments come as Carlos Sainz continues to be linked with a possible Audi switch for 2027, having told Williams not to push for contract negotiations until the summer break.

(GMM)