Kick Sauber sign Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 ahead of Audi transformation

Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with Sauber securing his services for 2025 and beyond.

Hulkenberg joined forces with Haas in 2023 in a move that saw the German return to the sport after a three-year absence from a full-time F1 drive.

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But it’s now been confirmed that the 36-year-old will depart the American squad – and make his way to Sauber – at the end of the campaign.

Speaking of Hulkenberg’s departure, Ayao Komatsu – installed as Haas Team Principal in January of this year, replacing Guenther Steiner – said: “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.

“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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Hulkenberg’s switch will trigger a return to the Sauber team he previously represented in 2013, with the Hinwil operation – who have fielded Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu for the past three seasons – soon to be officially taken over by German manufacturer Audi.

“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1,” said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and also CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team.

“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.”

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Hulkenberg himself said of his new deal: “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland.

“The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 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.”