Audi confirms Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for 2027 – Audi Formula 1 has confirmed that Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will remain its Formula 1 driver lineup next season, with team boss Mattia Binotto pointing to their existing contracts as the reason no change was expected.
Audi Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto confirmed on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, that the German manufacturer will retain its current driver pairing for the 2027 season.
Hülkenberg and Bortoleto will therefore continue together as Audi builds its Formula 1 project around the same lineup for another season.
The announcement comes as little surprise. Both drivers are already under contract with the team through the end of 2027, meaning Audi had little reason to make a formal announcement about their futures.
Hülkenberg and Bortoleto remain together
Explaining the decision, Binotto said the contracts already in place meant there was no uncertainty surrounding the lineup.
“Both are contracted until the end of 2027, so we knew there would be no changes,” Binotto explained. “Therefore, we never announced what the situation would be next year because there was no need to do so.”
For Hülkenberg, the confirmation extends his relationship with the team that inherited Sauber ahead of the 2026 season.
The 39-year-old has competed in Formula 1, with interruptions, since making his debut in 2010. He moved from Haas to Kick Sauber for the 2025 season before Audi completed its takeover of the Swiss operation.
Hülkenberg has now made more than 264 Formula 1 starts and finally claimed his first career podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix while driving for Sauber.
Binotto praises Hülkenberg’s performances
Binotto also highlighted the German’s ability to extract results from the machinery available to him.
“He always exploits the car’s potential and scores points whenever possible. He has performed well so far,” the Audi boss said.
That assessment reflects the role Hülkenberg has taken within Audi’s new works operation, with his experience providing a contrast to the younger Bortoleto.
Bortoleto, meanwhile, continues to develop his Formula 1 career alongside the experienced German. The Brazilian’s existing contract also removes any immediate uncertainty surrounding his place in the team.
Audi will therefore enter the next phase of its project without having to make a driver change, allowing the focus to remain on developing its car and power-unit package.
Hülkenberg open to staying beyond 2027
While his current contract runs through 2027, Hülkenberg has already indicated that he could remain with Audi beyond that point if the circumstances remain right.
Speaking to Sport Bild, the German was asked whether he could imagine still racing for Audi in 2030.
“Never say never, but it’s far too early to think about that. I’m in the here and now, taking it year by year,” Hülkenberg replied.
“As long as I’m having fun, the stopwatch is accurate, and the team wants me, I’ll drive for Audi. I can imagine that continuing for quite some time.”
For now, however, Hülkenberg’s focus remains on the progress of Audi’s Formula 1 project.
For the German, the priority is straightforward: “that we are moving in the right direction with the project. We are doing that. The rest will follow.”
With both drivers secured through 2027, Audi can now concentrate on turning that progress into results on track.
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