– Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg still believes in a chance to score points for his team in the remaining races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, although Audi recently performed significantly weaker than Alpine in Monza – and for the first time since Austria in June, remained without World Championship points. (Photo series: The Audi milestones in Formula 1)
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Hülkenberg said before the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid (follow all sessions here in the Formula 1 live ticker!): “I still see it as a pretty close fight with Racing Bulls, Alpine, and sometimes also Haas.”
“I think Monza definitely favored Alpine with its superior top speeds. Alpine has been really strong all year in terms of top speed at the end of the straights. And that’s especially important in Monza, of course.”
In Madrid and on other circuits, top speed plays a “lesser role,” unlike, for example, in Baku with “that monster straight,” explained Hülkenberg. “So it depends a bit on the respective track. But I definitely see us right in the middle of this fight and in this group.”
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The role of technical updates
According to Hülkenberg, any fluctuations also result from the different development progress of the individual teams. Technical updates “could still change the picture a bit,” said the German. Either way, Audi is in a promising position at the end of the top 10: “We are competitive and definitely capable of fighting for points.”
Hülkenberg also points to Audi’s technical development. His team has made “good progress” over the course of the season, including in aerodynamics and the drivability of the R26.
“Of course, there is still quite a bit of potential for improvement,” said Hülkenberg. “The top teams are definitely still stronger in the corners, for example. But we continue to work on it, and more will come in this regard as the season progresses. So work is being done in all areas – powertrain, drivability, but also aerodynamics and mechanics.”
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