Nico Hulkenberg believes Haas' current investment drive will help it turn into a “serious competitor in the coming years” in Formula 1 as he prepares for a move to Sauber/Audi.
The German driver will leave Haas after a successful two years with the American team – one season under former team principal Guenther Steiner and a 12 months under the brand new regime under former technical director Ayao Komatsu.
Haas is in a significantly better position within the Constructors' Championship for the 2024 season because the automobile package not destroys tires during races.
It means Hulkenberg's continued qualifying heroics since returning as a full-time F1 driver in 2023 resulted in six points, with Kevin Magnussen and his one-time substitute Ollie Bearman also netting.
The team is currently just three points behind RB and is fighting fiercely for a lucrative sixth place within the Constructors' Championship.
Team owner Gene Haas has already been persuaded to sign a recruitment deal to extend the 300-strong squad by 10% and is believed to have also approved a major investment in facilities on the team's British base in Banbury.
Asked in an exclusive interview with Autosport what he thinks Haas' future will likely be when he joins the Sauber team, which can turn into Audi in 2026 after F1 rule changes, Hulkenberg replied: “I believe the team could be very well positioned now.
Nico Hulkenberg, Haas VF-24
Photo: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Images
“I believe it's a working organization and I believe we've proven that to some extent this 12 months with the changes that happened over the winter.
“This [also] it at all times also depends upon many other aspects. Commercially – what partners have they got, what budget have they got, what resources have they got?
“That's obviously a key element for these sorts of questions. And I don't know what is going to occur next, what is going to occur here.
“But I hear the team has more exciting things within the pipeline which I believe will only help them.
“I believe Haas will likely be a serious competitor in the approaching years, especially next 12 months needless to say since the regulations are stable.
“2026 is an unknown for everyone, but what's exciting is that 2026 is a blank sheet of paper and that's why it's so interesting for anyone who could do a better job than other teams and stand out.”
You can read the whole interview with Hulkenberg here.
