Nico Hulkenberg signs with Sauber for the 2025 season

Sauber has officially announced the incorporation of Nico Hulkenberg starting in 2025, the year before Audi's official entry into Formula 1. This announcement follows news from Haas, Hulkenberg's current team, confirming his departure at the end of the 2024 season.

Hulkenberg, who will end his contract with Haas this year and who had already competed for Sauber in 2013, joins the Swiss team once again. “I return to the team I previously worked with and I positively remember our spirit of collaboration in Switzerland," said Hulkenberg. "Joining Audi is a different opportunity and representing a German team in F1 is a privilege."

Previously, Hulkenberg and Seidl worked together on Porsche's WEC team, achieving a victory at Le Mans in 2015. Andreas Seidl, from Audi F1, expressed his satisfaction at reuniting with Hulkenberg: “It's a pleasure to welcome Nico back to Hinwil for 2025. His experience, speed, and dedication to teamwork will be crucial for the development of our F1 project."

Regarding team expansion, Audi has shown interest in Carlos Sainz, currently at Ferrari and without a contract at the end of the season. Sainz's decision could lead to significant changes in Sauber's driver lineup, with possible departures of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at the end of the year. Oliver Bearman, Ferrari's reserve driver, is seen as the favorite to replace Hulkenberg at Haas.

Sauber's start to the season has been compromised by technical difficulties, especially in the pits. Meanwhile, Audi continues to develop its strategy and technology to adapt to the extensive regulatory changes scheduled for 2026.