An Audi technical problem cost Nico Hulkenberg dearly in Formula 1. The German driver lost a bonus estimated at around US$ 218 thousand after a failure during the Chinese GP, which compromised a result within the points zone.
Read more Steiner evaluates differences between Formula 1 and MotoGP in interview
According to information released by OE24, Hulkenberg receives an annual salary of approximately US$ 5,4 million at Audi. In addition, his contract provides for an additional bonus for points scored throughout the season.
The agreement stipulates about US$ 54,5 thousand per point scored in 2026. However, a team failure during the race at the Shanghai International Circuit prevented the German driver from scoring important points, resulting in the loss of approximately US$ 218 thousand in bonuses.
During the Chinese GP, the 38-year-old German was in eighth position with relative ease when he made his stop at the end of lap 35. However, the pit stop ended up lasting 16 seconds, completely compromising his race.
The delay was caused by a failure in the right rear wheel gun. The problem caused Hulkenberg to drop out of the points zone, and the driver finished only in 11º place, despite eighth place appearing to be a very likely result before the incident.
Read more F1: Marko believes Red Bull will choose an «internal name» to replace Lambiase
The outcome was even more frustrating because the race in China marked the German’s first start of the 2026 season. Hulkenberg was unable to participate in the Australian GP due to a technical problem before the start, being forced to watch the race from the team’s pits.
To make matters worse, he also finished in 11º place in the recent Japanese GP. As a result, Hulkenberg has yet to score points since the introduction of the new Formula 1 regulations in 2026.
Despite the veteran’s difficulties, Audi managed to open its tally for the season thanks to Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian scored two points with his P9 at the Australian GP, securing the team’s first positive result this year.
Read more Cacá Bueno starts second season in NASCAR Brazil and aims for victories in Santa Cruz do Sul
