Nico Hulkenberg, on the verge of a promising new chapter, acknowledges that his Formula 1 career is nearing its end.
With more than 230 grands prix under his belt—spanning stints at Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Haas, and more—the German has yet to claim a single podium.
"An eventful career," he chuckled to DPA news agency in Bahrain.
He finds humour in the contrast between his frequent team switches and his stable personal life. "I've probably only moved three or four times," he said. "I'm actually a very settled guy."
Though a top-three finish has amazingly eluded him, Hulkenberg enjoys widespread respect in the paddock. For his supporters, he offered reassurance: "I have a few races left in the tank. I can definitely drive until I'm 40, so I don't foresee any problems in the next few years. What will happen after that is difficult to predict today," the 37-year-old stated.
Sauber lured him from Haas for 2025 to spearhead their shift to a full Audi works team in 2026. "Moving always involves work," he said. "You have to find your way around, get used to it, get to know your new home and the surroundings."
He compared it to settling into a new area to live in. "For me personally, it always takes a while to really settle in, until you have your favourite Italian restaurant, your dentist, your hairdresser, everything else you need in everyday life. Maybe that's why I don't move around so much."
Still adjusting at Sauber, Hulkenberg recently visited Audi's F1 engine base in Neuburg. "You can sense a very positive and hungry atmosphere there," he revealed.
"People are excited about Formula 1, about this project. They're motivated and happy."
