They are first and foremost competitors, even if they currently have the same employer. Still, Nico Hulkenberg will recommend Kevin Magnussen at Audi.
Audi, which will take over Sauber's Formula 1 team in 2026, has not yet announced who will drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.
There is a vacant seat, and here Kevin Magnussen is an obvious candidate. At least if you ask the Dane's current teammate. The German looks positively on the possibility that the two will also share a garage in 2025.
– I certainly would, yes, Hulkenberg answered the question of whether he would speak warmly for and about Magnussen to Sauber boss Mattia Binotto.
– We are a well-functioning pair of partners with the right focus and mutual respect, says the German racing veteran.
Hulkenberg emphasizes that the two executives have a common understanding of the car's development and that they otherwise work well together.
READ ALSO: Voice control is much better than buttons, says car manager
– We are pulling in the same direction, which is always useful for a team when you can focus on a common goal," he explained to RacingNews365 .
Although Hulkenberg has scored more points than Magnussen this season (31 to 17) and has beaten the Dane in most qualifying events (14 out of 20), the German believes the differences between them have been and remain small.
– It has been the small details that have separated us this year, says Hulkenberg.
The German, who has a multi-year agreement with Sauber/Audi, points out that the competition in the midfield is close and that even minor mistakes can have a big impact.
– Each lob has its own story, but when you look at the results and analyze the data, you see how close it has been.
In addition to Magnussen, other drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto have also been mentioned as possible candidates for the seat at Sauber. However, Hulkenberg's support for Magnussen may have an influence on Audi's final decision. However, we do not know whether it is ultimately enough, because Audi has made the decision.
In other words, Audi was on the verge of withdrawing from Formula 1, even before the brand even had a single lobe. The reason? A mistake to the tune of 8 billion kroner. Read more about it here .
However, neither Nico Hulkenberg nor Kevin Magnussen got any points during the latest Formula 1 grand prix. The German was disqualified. And K-Mag didn't make it down his racer at all due to illness.
Read more exciting news from and about the world of motorsport right here!