Nico Hulkenberg could be a crucial piece in this year’s driver market puzzle, as evidenced by numerous developments in recent weeks. As someone who was outspoken about his frustrations in 2023, observing his comments and interviews in the next few months will be intriguing.
The departure of Guenther Steiner is a well-established news story at this stage. F1 news articles have covered and revisited this topic on numerous occasions, along with potential ramifications.
With that said, something which seems to have been overlooked is the part Haas will play in the 2024 market. Both Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen are on expiring contracts.
In a year where approximately 75% of the grid is in the last year of its contracts, this is not insignificant. The Haas duo will be looking to explore their other options and – if none are available – cement their position on the US team.
As it stands, Nico Hulkenberg is the driver whose activity could be most interesting. At last season’s Italian GP, the German was blunt about his complaints with the VF-23.
2RB5YRA 24 ZHOU Guanyu (chi), Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake C43, action practice start during the 2023 Formula 1 Aramco British Grand Prix, 10th round of the 2023 Formula One World Championship from July 7 to 9, 2023 on the Silverstone Circuit, in Silverstone, United Kingdom – Photo Antonin Vincent/DPPI Credit: DPPI Media/Alamy Live News
Hulkenberg considers other options
Aside from the lack of performance in race trim, the 36-year-old was frustrated at the team’s development. At Monza specifically, the failure to introduce a circuit-specific rear wing was a major source of frustration.
Around this time, Hulkenberg was also in talks with Sauber. This information was not public knowledge at the time, with information about these negotiations only emerging later in the year.
However, the Le Mans winner confirmed later in the season that he indeed held discussions with the Swiss team. Given Audi’s arrival in 2026, his status as an experienced German driver surely makes him a top target.
Haas is understood to have vetoed Hulkenberg’s Sauber move last year. Having joined the US outfit in a somewhat unlikely fashion after 2022, the American team secured a contract on their terms.
However, with his deal now expiring, the dynamics have shifted. Hulkenberg is now an unrestricted free agent.
Considering the downward spiral at Haas, it seems logical he will explore other options. Unless there is a dramatic change, Ayao Komatu’s team seem to have a very defined ceiling.
With both Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas searching for contract extensions, a window of opportunity could open for Nico Hulkenberg.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
