Another piece in the puzzle that is Formula 1’s drivers market for the 2025 season has been put in its place.
German driver Nico Hülkenberg will become a new Sauber driver in 2025. This also means that the current Haas driver will become an ambassador for the Audi F1 project starting in 2026 once the full transition and takeover of the Swiss team concludes.
This will mark Hülkenberg’s return to the team after 12 years when he was a part of the Sauber’s team for the 2013 campaign.
“I am thrilled and honored to return to Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 and to represent a global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer AUDI on its way into Formula 1 in the future,” Hülkenberg stated on his Instagram
Audi has also commented on the acquisition of a 36-year-old German.
“Next milestone in the Formula 1 project: Nico Hülkenberg becomes a driver for the Audi factory team from 2026.”
“Nico Hülkenberg has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber and will start for the Audi factory team in 2026.”
Signing an experienced driver with 208 race starts is a pragmatic choice for the gigantic car manufacturer who is starting its most serious motorsport project up to date.
The rumors suggest that Audi seeks to sign the ‘hottest free agent’ in Formula 1, the Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who has been linked with a potential Audi switch.
More so, these rumors are to some extent supported by Carlos Sainz Senior’s long-term partnership with the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer.
It is also interesting to add that every time Nico Hülkenberg has joined a Sauber, Lewis Hamilton would switch the team.