Nico Hulkenberg will part ways with the Haas F1 Team at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season to join Audi and Sauber’s joint F1 project for 2025.
Hulkenberg joined the American outfit in 2023 after three seasons away from F1, although he took part in two races in 2020 and in two more events in 2022 as Racing Point/Aston Martin’s reserve driver.
This year, the German driver has scored three top-ten finishes with Haas in the first five races of 2024.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to Nico for his contributions to the team in the time that he’s been here with us – he’s been a great team player and someone we very much enjoy working with,” commented Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.
“His experience and feedback have proved invaluable to us in terms of improving our overall performance – a fact that’s clearly evident in both his qualifying and race performances in the VF-24 this season.
“There’s lots more racing to go this year so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his inputs throughout the remainder of the 2024 season.”
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Haas’ announcement was anticipated given the rumors surrounding Hulkenberg’s next F1 endeavor: a move to Sauber for 2025 in preparation of Audi’s official entry into F1 in 2026.
This has now become effective with the Swiss outfit confirming the F1 veteran’s arrival at Hinwil at the end of the year.
“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula One,” said Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl.
“With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of Audi’s F1 project.
“Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team.”
Hulkenberg will actually find himself in familiar territory next season, having raced for Sauber during the 2013 F1 season.
“I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland,” said the racing driver from Emmerich-am-Rhein.
“The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula One with such determination, it is a unique opportunity.
“To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me.”
To complement Hulkenberg’s presence at Sauber, Audi has reportedly offered Carlos Sainz a very lucrative deal to join its F1 efforts.
However, the outgoing Ferrari driver isn't short of potential options, with both Mercedes and Red Bull taking a keen interest in the Spaniard’s services.
In any case, Hulkenberg’s switch to Sauber is bad news for either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu, although both drivers may need to find a new home in F1 should Sainz choose to join Audi.
Meanwhile, Haas, looking to fill the seat vacated by Hulkenberg, has reportedly set their sights on Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman.
A loan deal is being considered, potentially placing the young British talent alongside Kevin Magnussen next season. This move would give Bearman valuable experience in Formula 1 while bolstering Haas' driver development program.
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