SUMMARY
- Several rumors suggested that Hulkenberg had already extended his Haas contract until the end of 2025.
- The German has hysterically denied such theories by commenting under a post on social media.
The growing anticipation about the 2025 season has everyone shifting their focus to the next year instead of the upcoming season. However, while many fans believed they had finally gotten a break from the chaos that had ensued since the first week of February, Nico Hulkenberg came in to shake up the community with some more unexpected news.
Hulkenberg joined Haas in 2023 after Mick Schumacher caused a heavy loss for Haas and was soon kicked out of the team. While Schumacher joined Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2023, Hulkenberg joined back at Haas and soon took a P2 during the Canadian GP qualifications.
However, as a lot of seats open up with great opportunities to kick-start his career further, he seems to have denied any plans of continuing with Haas. After spending one season with the team and still falling in 10th place in the Constructors Championship, he looks ready for some change too.
Nico Hulkenberg hints at potentially leaving Haas
The news of Lewis Hamilton leaving his team of 11 years, Mercedes for Ferrari left the entire community shaken. However, his dramatic move to the rival team also sparked an interest for many drivers who have been wishing for a better seat from the back of the grid. After spending time with Haas and seeing no peculiar change in his career, Hulkenberg seems to be keeping his mind open.
An F1 news account posted about Hulkenberg confirming his seat with Haas until the end of 2025 by signing yet another contract. Nevertheless, the truth was far away from it and forced Hulkenberg to comment on the post saying, “Don‘t believe everything. Someone took a joke a bit too seriously.” Soon the post was deleted and the claims were reported to be false.
Tears 😂 pic.twitter.com/M3Oetj78IG
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) February 8, 2024
Nevertheless, the German’s reaction to the news seemed to have hinted at his interest in the vacant Mercedes seat or the Audi second driver seat. With his failed attempt to get a seat at Ferrari because of his height, the driver wishes to look for other seats in F1 and leave Haas.
After spending one season in a non-competitive car which pushed him down the charts, he seems ready to take on a better challenge. However, Mercedes has stayed on the low since the news of Hamilton’s departure with no further updates about their second driver for 2025. Meanwhile, the journalist who spread the rumors of Hulkenberg signing a contract came out and apologized.
Two F1 teams targeting Nico Hulkenberg?
Nico Hulkenberg produced a consistent season for Haas in 2023 with a front row for the team at the Canadian GP. However, the driver will be coming to the end of his contract with Haas at the end of 2024 and has already hinted at looking around for a better opportunity.
While his 2025 season seems uncertain, the driver has the opportunity to fill two vacant seats, one at Mercedes and one at Audi. Although Audi will be joining the sport in 2026 after the regulation changes, it seems that Mercedes may still be looking around for a better match for the second seat. Hulkenberg could also earn some cookie points as a German to help with his seat at Audi or Mercedes.
🚨 | Toto Wolff on Hamilton’s departure:
“Maybe it’s an opportunity to do something bold.”
— formularacers (@formularacers_) February 3, 2024
His move to Mercedes after the 2024 contract would see him pairing with George Russell and his switch to Audi could partner him with Carlos Sainz. Nevertheless, a switch could prove better for his career and help line up better opportunities at his doorstep.