Hulkenberg foresees 'building year' for Sauber but aiming for points

Nico Hulkenberg steps into the 2025 F1 season with a clear-eyed view of the challenge ahead, seeing the upcoming campaign as a “building year” for Kick Sauber ahead of its final transformation into Audi’s works outfit in 2026.

After a dismal 2024 season left the Hinwil squad languishing at the back of the grid, Hulkenberg knows the road to redemption will be long.

Yet, beneath the realism lies a quiet determination to seize any opportunity that may come their way, setting the stage for a season of grit, growth, and glimpses of what’s to come.

Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber, where he raced in 2013, feels like a homecoming of sorts. Speaking at last week’s F1 75 Live season launch event in London, he reflected on the familiar yet evolving team he’s rejoined.

“There have been quite a few familiar faces, especially in the factory. I think the race team has changed quite a bit,” he said.

“But yeah, it revives old memories from 2013. I think the atmosphere is pretty positive, pretty upbeat, keen and eager, ready to go.

Obviously [the team] had a challenging season last year, but they’re very motivated to turn things around and to write a different story this year.”

That motivation will be key as Sauber looks to shake off the ghosts of last season and lay the groundwork for its Audi future.

Building Toward Audi’s Takeover

At 37, Hulkenberg brings a wealth of experience to a team in transition. The 2025 season is less about instant glory and more about steady progress, with the ultimate prize – Audi’s full-fledged entry – looming on the horizon.

“In some ways it’s a building year,” the German said. “Our target is to be competitive and to obviously score as many points as possible. You always have to remember where we came from last year – it’s a difficult kind of starting point.”

Sauber’s struggles in 2024 left them with little to celebrate, but Hulkenberg remains pragmatic, tempering expectations while keeping the door open for surprises.

“The team and us, we’ve been pushing over the winter but right now we can obviously only speculate where we are, where everybody else is,” he continued.

“For us the motto is head down, push hard, work hard and maximise everything on and off track. [We’ll] go for the opportunities when they come.”

It’s a mantra that reflects both caution and ambition – Sauber may be rebuilding, but they’re not content to merely make up the numbers. Hulkenberg’s eyes are fixed on the bigger picture, too.

“It’s obviously a long road ahead, with the process started now, and behind the scenes many things are already ongoing with respect to next year, which is a big thing and exciting, especially for myself, being German with a German manufacturer and works team.

“A lot of things to look forward to, and [I] look forward to getting the season started soon.”

The Audi project adds a personal layer of excitement for the Hulk, who sees 2025 as the foundation for something special.

But first, he and Sauber must navigate the unpredictable waters of a season where their starting point is uncertain, and every point will be hard-fought.

A Veteran’s Staying Power

While other seasoned drivers – like his former Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen – have found themselves sidelined, Hulkenberg’s longevity in Formula 1 speaks to his enduring value.

When asked why he’s remained a fixture on the grid, he pointed to performance and perspective.

“It’s about where you are with the team, how competitive are you, but ultimately at the end of the day it’s about bringing results, bringing value to the team,” he explained.

“I think for me in 2023 and last year, [things] went very positive and successful. It kind of gave me this new opportunity, this new deal with Sauber and next year with Audi. I think that’s basically it.”

Hulkenberg’s resurgence at Haas, where he consistently punched above the car’s weight, earned him this shot with Sauber. But it’s more than just results driving him—it’s a rediscovered joy in the sport.

“I’ve really had a good time, I’ve enjoyed myself, probably more than ever before in Formula 1, even more than in my first stint of my career in F1,” he said. “Feel it, love it, live it!”

That passion could be Sauber’s secret weapon as they grind through a season of development, with Hulkenberg’s steady hand guiding them toward 2026.

For now, the focus is clear: work hard, stay sharp, and pounce when the moment arises. Sauber may be a team in transition, but with Hulkenberg at the wheel, they’re not just building for tomorrow—they’re ready to fight for today.

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