Nico Hulkenberg to Join Sauber in 2025 as Team Prepares for Audi’s Entry into Formula 1

Nico Hulkenberg, the seasoned Formula 1 driver who has yet to achieve a podium finish in over 200 starts, is set to make a fresh start with Sauber in 2025. The German driver will be joining the team as they gear up for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026, with Sauber becoming Audi’s factory team.

Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl expressed his excitement about welcoming Hulkenberg back to the team, highlighting the mutual interest in building something long-term together. Seidl praised Hulkenberg’s strong personality and noted that his input will be crucial in the development of the car and the team as a whole.

Hulkenberg, 36, has had a long and storied career in Formula 1, with stints at various teams including Williams and Sauber. Despite his experience, he has never managed to secure a podium finish in the sport. After a brief hiatus in 2021, Hulkenberg returned to the grid in 2022 and has been driving for Haas since 2023, with mixed results.

Sauber’s decision to bring in Hulkenberg for the 2025 season means that current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu may not be retained. The team has been struggling in the 2024 season, with neither driver scoring any points so far. With Audi’s entry on the horizon, Sauber is looking to make significant improvements to compete at the highest level.

As Hulkenberg prepares to embark on this new chapter with Sauber, all eyes will be on the German driver to see if he can finally break his podium drought and make a mark with his new team. With the Formula 1 landscape set to change with Audi’s arrival, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for both drivers and fans alike.