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Hulkenberg Engages Audi’s New Leadership Amid Major Management Overhaul Ahead of F1 Switch
Nico Hulkenberg discloses conversations regarding significant changes in Audi's leadership
"The entire shift in strategy was unexpected"
Following the significant restructuring at Audi, Nico Hulkenberg reached out to Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto to discuss the changes, he disclosed.
Hulkenberg makes a comeback to Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, taking the wheel for Haas, after consistently performing beyond expectations throughout the season, albeit quietly.
In the upcoming season, he will transition to Sauber, which is set to transform into Audi by 2026. However, the major German carmaker has already implemented significant alterations to its leadership organization.
The sports director of Red Bull, Wheatley, is set to become the team principal at Audi, and ex-Ferrari team principal Binotto will take on the roles of COO and CTO.
Andreas Seidl, holding the position of CEO, and Oliver Hoffman, serving as the chairman, have departed from Audi.
"The unexpected shift in strategy, with Seidl and Hoffman departing, caught everyone off guard. It was a significant development," Hulkenberg confessed at Zandvoort, according to Crash.net's team on the ground in the paddock.
Hulkenberg commented on Wheatley, stating, "He's highly skilled and competent, having his background at Red Bull which has shown dominance. His joining will significantly benefit our team and the project. I reached out to him following the summer break."
He likewise reached out to Binotto, who is making a comeback to F1 after previously steering Ferrari.
"Hulkenberg mentioned, "He's just beginning, following the closure."
"He's just getting started, arriving to assess the present circumstances and gain insight into various sectors."
Nonetheless, the driver from Germany emphasized that his attention is still on his present team, Haas, instead of what is happening at the team he will join next.
When inquired about the extent of his focus on the transformations happening at Audi, Hulkenberg responded, "None. Hardly any. It's merely phone conversations, hardly a significant amount of effort or concentration is involved."
"Networking with others always brings new insights. It's fascinating to learn about the latest happenings in the field."
"However, I am completely committed to this season. Our goal is to make a strong comeback this weekend and, throughout the rest of the races, accumulate as many points as possible to clinch the seventh position."
"We aspire to climb to the sixth position, though we acknowledge it will be challenging."
"The outcome isn't solely in our hands. It also hinges on RB's performance. If they're playing well and finding the back of the net, we're in for a tough challenge. However, if they're struggling, that could shift the dynamics and overall scenario."
Haas, which ended last in the constructors' standings last season, has experienced a revival this year.
Hulkenberg's seasoned performances have played a crucial role in their recent success.
At the age of 37, they have earned points in five separate events.
Haas is set to undergo further changes with Ayao Komatsu stepping in as the new team leader in 2025, following the departure of Hulkenberg and his colleague Kevin Magnussen. This transition will introduce Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon as the new faces behind the wheel.
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