For Hulkenberg the momentum for Audi in 2026, must be built with Sauber now

Whilst Hulkenberg managed to capitalise on a chaotic season opener, star rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has showed that Sauber are not yet ready - or speedy enough - to be able to score points consistently, something he believes head of the F1 project, and team pincipal, Jonathan Wheatley should mend.

"I think it's very important still to build momentum this year. Everything we do now somewhat matters next year," said the German in the FIA drivers press conference.

"Of course, different set of regulations, but we have to push on parallel. I'm sure that’s what everyone is doing, especially the big teams," notes Hulkenberg, who makes the comparison, not from out of nowhere, that's for sure.

Audi are coming into F1 with the sole target of fighting for, and winning, championships. Their lofty goals are only matched by their confidence, since they believe they can do this, by the time the current decade is over and the next one beings, meaning only 5 years time since after the upcoming regulations are enforced.

For Hulkenberg, then, there's no time like today, to build a better tomorrow, and particularly when the whole year lies ahead, there's no reason why Sauber couldn't find itself fighting for bigger things than P9 in the Constructors'.