Nico Hulkenberg to leave Haas and go to Sauber/Audi for 2025 season

Formula 1

A man in a red and black shirt is smiling with his hands behind his head.

Haas has officially announced Nico Hulkenberg's departure at the end of the current season, as the German driver gears up to join Sauber in 2025.

Having made his return to the sport last season, stepping in for Mick Schumacher at the American-based team, the 36-year-old currently holds the 13th spot in the drivers' standings, boasting three top-10 finishes this season.


With Sauber transitioning into the Audi works team in 2026, Hulkenberg's move to Sauber in 2025 sets the stage for him to become an Audi driver the following year, under a multi-year deal. This transition from Haas could potentially open doors for British youngster Ollie Bearman, who recently debuted for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, to enter the grid next season.


Reflecting on his future with Audi, Hulkenberg expressed, "The opportunity to compete for Audi is truly exceptional. When a German manufacturer enters Formula One with such resolve, it presents a unique chance. Representing the factory team of such a prestigious car brand, equipped with a German-made power unit, is an immense honor for me."


Andreas Seidl, future Chief Executive of the Audi F1 team, emphasized Hulkenberg's significance, stating, "With his speed, experience, and dedication to teamwork, he will play a pivotal role in the evolution of our team and Audi's F1 venture. From the outset, there has been a mutual interest in forging a long-term partnership. Nico's strong character and professional insights will drive our progress in both car development and team establishment."


Hulkenberg's performance last year saw him finish 16th in the driver standings, amassing nine points, six more than his teammate Kevin Magnussen.

Expressing gratitude for Hulkenberg's contributions, Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu remarked, "I extend my sincere thanks to Nico for his invaluable contributions during his time with us. He's been an exceptional team player, and his experience and feedback have greatly influenced our overall performance. This is evident in his performances this season in both qualifying and races with the VF-24. With plenty of racing left this year, we eagerly anticipate continuing to benefit from his expertise throughout the remainder of the 2024 season."