Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) on COTA/Austin/Texas: “A real love story”

It was clear from the very first Grand Prix weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA): Nico Hülkenberg likes the thrilling circuit on the outskirts of Austin, Texas.

Driving for Force India, Hülkenberg finished eighth at the 2012 Grand Prix debut; in 2013, driving for Sauber, he also finished eighth. This was followed by four years in which Nico retired whilst on course for points – engine failure in 2014, a collision in 2015, a steering failure in 2016 and engine failure in 2017.

In 2018, Nico finished sixth here with Renault, and ninth in 2019. After finishing 11th in 2023 (by then driving for Haas), Hülkenberg came eighth in 2024 and eighth again in 2025 (now with Sauber).

Nico says: “COTA is my favourite circuit. I can’t wait to get out on the track on Friday, and I want to enjoy every lap. I don’t really know what it is about this circuit. It just clicked right from the very first laps back in 2012. It’s a real love story.”

“I like the challenges this circuit presents – the different types of corners, fast bends, slow corners, the way it goes up and down, the brilliant Turn 1 where you can choose completely different lines. This circuit simply has it all, and you can drive here at a really nice rhythm.”

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“Add to that the passionate fans and this brilliant, vibrant city of Austin. All of that always makes the GP weekend here something special.”

The Texans have plonked a rather flash VIP building on the hill at Turn 1. Nico remains diplomatic: “It looks different, that’s for sure. But life is all about change. I’m glad they’ve left that huge flag there. It’s simply part of the scene. And on the right-hand side, there are still those enormous grandstands packed with a sea of fans. That’s always lovely to see.”

Okay, COTA is a Hülkenberg track. But is COTA also an Audi track? In the COTA paddock, the 39-year-old from Emmerich adds: “I don’t think much will change there compared to previous Grand Prix weekends. We’ve got a good mix of very different corners here; you’re limited in terms of grip. On the other hand, you also need solid engine power here.”

“How competitive we are here will also depend on what improvements our rivals bring to their cars. As far as we’re concerned, we simply want a clean weekend where we get through our programme well and make the most of our potential.”

This weekend, Kimi Antonelli could become the youngest Formula 1 champion. Nico says: “That’s certainly very impressive. He’s had a fabulous year, which wasn’t entirely expected after certain difficulties in mid-2025.”

“It just goes to show once again how quickly things can change in our industry. Ultimately, it’s all about the feel of the car, about the confidence you can build in your racing car.”

“I have the utmost respect for his achievements; he’s made very few mistakes, which really isn’t something to be taken for granted for a driver of his age, nor for someone in their second year in the top flight. He’s put in some astonishing races.”