Nico Hulkenberg admits to being surprised by this week's news that Mattia Binotto replaces Andreas Seidl at Audi.

On Tuesday the German team announced the departure of CEO Seidl and chairman Oliver Hoffmann, who were responsible for signing Hulkenberg as they prepare for the German team's debut in 2026.

The news has rocked the F1 paddock, especially in terms of Seidl's departure as the German had left McLaren to help put the Audi team together.

"That was obviously a bit of a wave, a bit of a shock," Hulkenberg told reporters at Spa today. "But now, obviously, it's back to business.

"I still look forward to join the project, and to, make it a successful story with or without the fact that, you know, two people that were closely involved signing me are not there anymore," he added. "Of course, maybe it's a bit sad, but, I'm more interested about the project, joining Formula One with Audi and making it a successful story."

Confirming that he learned about the move on the day of the announcement, courtesy of a phone call from Gernot Donner, CEO of the Audi group, Hulkenberg said: "Of course, they were influential, these were the two guys we did the deal with. So that's that, kind of an unexpected to change.

"But I was informed, the day of the announcement about the group's decision by Gernot Donner himself. It's the group's decision that they want to change moving forward.

"I think big projects like this, you have in the management, people that are big pillars of such projects, but they never just rely on one or two persons. And in Formula One everyone is kind of changeable. And in terms of Mattia, I know him, obviously, from the past from the paddock, but I've never worked with him. But that will change in a few months.

"I think it shows that, you know, the CEO of Audi and everyone is looking there, seeing where they are involved," he said of the decision. "The fact that they take action means that they're very much involved and invested in it and hands on. And that's, I think, good and positive news."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by moomoo, 26/07/2024 20:51

"@RP Antics and miscues are part of the Ferrari culture. Domenicali, Arrivewell, Binotto all saw them. Some of them are understandable....I mean parachuting a cancer-stick executive in to direct a F1 team....? Really?
Stuff-ups are in their DNA."

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2. Posted by kenji, 26/07/2024 1:54

"What a strange set of events. From what, I thought after reading the reports, was that Seidl and Hoffman were at opposite ends of the disputation! What seems to be the outcome was to get rid of both of them in one fell swoop and move on from there. As for Binotto well he was not 100% suited to the role apparently and Ferrari are not known for their cool clinical approach when placed under performance pressure. I hope that he's able to suitably move the team forward in what is an exciting future for F1. "

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3. Posted by RP, 25/07/2024 19:03

"It does seem off. I recall watching "antics" and miscues at Ferrari when Mr. Binotto was team principal. Not certain he would be my first choice and what was wrong with Andreas Seidl?"

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4. Posted by Wokingchap, 25/07/2024 18:17

"It does seem odd this sacking, especially to lesser mortals like myself, but who knows what's gone on exactly."

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Hulkenberg surprised by Audi reshuffle

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