The Haas driver has emerged as a key target for the manufacturer when they join Formula 1 in 2026, when the new re🍎gulat༺ions are introduced.

Hulkenberg is the only German🅰 driver on the current grid - continuing a history which includes Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel - so was approached by the German automotive company.

"There were discussions,” he told . 

“I know Andreas🌜 Seidl [Sauber chief executive] very w൩ell from his Porsche and Formula 1 days.

“We get along well, that's no secret.”

Audi will formally𓆉 enter F1 in 2026 after partnering with Sauber, wh🃏o currently work as Alfa Romeo.

For two years before Audi’s entry, Sauber are set to run using their own name, led by✃ ex-McLaren team principal Seidl, before then merging with Audi.

Hulkenberg admits he h💮eld talks to join as early🌞 as 2024, before eventually signing a new deal to stay at Haas.

“There were discussions, there was interest.

“At the end of the day it didn't happen."

But from 2025, and particularly 🧸in 2026 when Audi formally joins F1, all eyes will be on them. And they want a stellar driver line-up which could still include Hulkenberg.

"I think it will be very interesting next year and that the cards will be reshuffled,” 🔯he said. 

“A lot will happen in the driver [market]. 

“It always depends on how good the package is that you ha▨ve; how well you can present yourself or not.

"When Audi finally gets started in 2026, it's still up in the air whether they will be a top team or nꦜot. 

“They have to prove that and achieve it fir🍰st. So⭕ there are still some question marks. 

“I'm currently here, at home, and everything🍸 else is up in༺ the air."

Veteran driver Hulkenber🏅g, 36, is in ꧃his 12th season in F1.