Nico Hulkenberg to Leave Haas, Join Sauber in 2025; Will Drive for Audi in 2026
Nico Hulkenberg to Join Sauber in 2025, Set to Lead Audi’s F1 Entry
In a surprising move, German Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg has announced that he will be leaving Haas at the end of the season to join Sauber in 2025. The news was confirmed by both teams on Friday, with Hulkenberg signing a multi-year deal with Sauber.
Hulkenberg, who returned to full-time F1 racing with Haas in 2023 after a three-year gap, has been in top form this season and has impressed with his performances on the track. His experience and feedback have been instrumental in improving Haas’ overall performance, as evident in his qualifying and race results in the VF-24 this season.
“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,” said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu in a statement.
In 2026, Hulkenberg will make history as the first driver for Audi’s entry into the F1, marking a significant milestone in his career. The German driver has had a successful career in Formula 1, participating in almost 200 races for seven different teams.
“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula One. 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,” said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and Audi F1 factory team.
Hulkenberg expressed his excitement about the opportunity to represent Audi in Formula 1, calling it a unique honor. He also reflected on his past experiences with Sauber and his fond memories of the team spirit in Switzerland.
As Hulkenberg prepares to make the transition to Sauber and lead Audi’s F1 entry, fans are eager to see how he will continue to make his mark on the sport. Team Haas, currently positioned fifth in the Constructor Championships table, will surely miss his presence on the grid next season.