Nico Hulkenberg has explained how he has managed to escape the F1 2025 cull of drivers from his generation.
Of the drivers who entered F1 in the early 2010s, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas have fallen off the grid for 2025, although Bottas has returned to Mercedes as third driver.
Hulkenberg is now the third most experienced driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, and has joined the Stake team on a long-term deal as it prepares to transform into Audi for 2026.
Reflecting on his position, Hulkenberg detailed how the “dynamics” of F1 meant he had survived the cull that affected some drivers.
“Well, it is all about the dynamics of Formula 1, it is all about where you are with the team and how competitive are you,” said Hulkenberg when asked by RacingNews365 how he felt at being the ‘great survivor’ of the drivers who joined the grid in the early 2010s.
“Ultimately at the end of the day, it is about bringing results, bringing value to the team and I think the comeback [with Haas] in 2023 and then last year was very positive and successful.
“That kind of gave me this new opportunity and deal with Sauber and then next year with Audi.
“I’ve had a really good time, enjoyed myself probably more than ever before in Formula 1, even more than in my first stint, feel it, love it, live it.”
