Hulkenberg sets sights on F1 victory with Audi: 'That is the goal'

13:48, 11 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Nico Hülkenberg finally scored his first Formula 1 podium at Silverstone after 238 races, and the German is already looking at the top step, which is the next goal, but not the top of the German driver's and team's ambitions..

With Sauber set to become Audi from next season, the 38-year-old believes a first victory in F1 is possible, coming off the back of a milestone podium achieved starting from the back and capitalising on every opportunity the British weather provided him and his Sauber team with.

For Hulkenberg the sights are set not on getting podiums anymore, but on rising to take the top step. "Of course, that's the goal, and we're working toward it," Hülkenberg told Blick.

"Especially with a view to next year, a lot will change in Formula 1 from a technical perspective. And that's a good opportunity for all teams," he added before warning against the dangerous expectations of instant success.

"Audi is very focused on working and pushing. I wouldn't expect us to be at the front right from the start. That would of course be nice for us, for the Swiss, for Audi, for everyone. But I don't think that can be expected."

Bortoleto praises Hulkenberg for Silverstone podium

Focus is on performance, not plans

Asked about the worst-case scenario for his first season with Audi, Hülkenberg kept it simple: "Not having fun would be pretty bad," he said. "And of course, at the end of the day, it's all about performance. If we have a package that doesn't perform well, that would be stupid."

The German is confident his experience will count for a lot. "Thanks to the experience I have, I'm already at a good level, perhaps my highest level. In any case, I don't feel like I'm on a downward slope."

As for how long he will stay in Formula 1, Hülkenberg is not looking too far ahead. "That's what we can assume at the moment. I don't have the master plan or the end in mind right now. I'm far too focused on what's happening now and what's coming next year."

Next year Sauber is set to become the full fledged Audi factory F1 team. The German brand will enter F1 as the series implements completely new regulations.

How will Audi fare? No one can know, but with the team's COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto, and principal Jonathan Wheatley at the helm, along with all the other experienced personnel, not to mention the German manufacturer's plethora of motor racing experience, they may very well be the dark horse that surprises the F1 paddock.