Nico Hulkenberg joins Sauber ahead of Audi's F1 entry

Hulkenberg's homecoming to Sauber

Nico Hulkenberg, the experienced German driver, is set to make a homecoming to the Sauber Formula 1 team from the 2025 season onwards.

The Swiss-based team, which will continue to be known as Sauber in 2025, has confirmed Hulkenberg's signing on a multi-year deal, paving the way for his involvement in Audi's eagerly anticipated F1 entry in 2026.

Previous stint and fond memories

Hulkenberg, 36, previously raced for Sauber in 2013 and has fond memories of the team's strong spirit and camaraderie.

Expressing his excitement, Hulkenberg said,

"I'm returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland."

Audi's German powerhouse

The prospect of competing for Audi, the German automotive powerhouse, holds special significance for Hulkenberg.

"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,"

he said.

"To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me."

Reuniting with Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl

Hulkenberg's relationship with Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl dates back to their successful partnership at Porsche's WEC team, where they won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans together in 2015.

Seidl, who was the team principal at the time, expressed confidence in Hulkenberg's abilities, stating,

"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."

Building a long-term partnership

Seidl emphasized the mutual interest in building a long-term partnership with Hulkenberg, recognizing his strong personality and valuable contributions on both professional and personal levels.

"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."

Potential teammate and driver movements

Audi is also rumored to have extended an offer to out-of-contract Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to partner with Hulkenberg at the squad next year.

If Sainz accepts, it would mean Sauber's current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, are set to depart the team at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman is considered the leading candidate to replace Hulkenberg at Haas, on loan from the Scuderia.