Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are laying the foundations at Audi, but Ralf Schumacher has a different vision for the final step to the top
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher advises Audi to sign a Grand Prix winner “to take that final step”. This is because Audi aims to be in a position to compete for victories and the World Championship title by 2030. Audi Managing Director Gernot Döllner had already announced this before the team’s entry into Formula 1.
From today’s perspective, 2030 is “of course still a way off”, Schumacher told Sky. “But at some point, the time will come when we have to think about the future.”
Then someone “who has won races or, ideally, even become world champion” could be of interest, Schumacher explained. “Someone the team knows is capable. Someone who brings experience to the table.”
Why there is no need for immediate action
According to Schumacher, however, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg need not fear for their seats in the short term: a driver change is “not necessary at the moment. Both drivers get on really well, are pulling in the same direction and are focused on the team.” That, he said, is exactly what is necessary and helpful for the development work within the new Formula 1 works team.
At 39, Hülkenberg is already one of the older drivers on the grid. However, Schumacher does not see a specific “expiry date”: “Nico is approaching 40, but as we’ve seen with Fernando Alonso, he might well be able to carry on.” That, however, is a question “I cannot answer today”, said Schumacher.
The 45-year-old Alonso only recently decided to continue his Formula 1 career beyond 2026 and to race for Aston Martin again in 2027.
As the oldest driver on the grid at present, however, even Alonso is still a long way off the age record for competing in a Formula 1 Grand Prix: Louis Chiron raced in the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix at the age of 55. In more recent Formula 1 history, however, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have also stood on the podium in their 40s, alongside Alonso.