Hulkenberg is leaving Haas at the end of the season, Sauber confirmed the German’s signing

Nico Hulkenberg is leaving Haas at the end of the season. This became clear today from a message from the American team. A few minutes later, Sauber announced that the German will drive for the team from 2025 onwards. Hulkenberg thus becomes the first confirmed driver of the Audi F1 Team.

Hulkenberg has been linked with Audi since his return to Formula 1 in 2023. The experienced German was close to a move to Sauber earlier this year. However, Haas managed to block this transfer and keep him for another year.

Hulkenberg’s status made him the most suitable candidate for Audi. The German manufacturer has completely nailed the Sauber team and is preparing to enter F1 in 2026. Audi has repeatedly stated that they want to have a German driver in their ranks

Earlier this week, various German media reported that Hulkenberg was very close to a move to Sauber. According to them, the 36-year-old driver has negotiated his personal terms with Audi. The deal was expected to be announced very soon.

Today, Haas announced his split with Hulkenberg after the end of the season. This practically opened the door wide for the German to become part of Sauber and Audi.

“I would like to thank Nico for his contribution to the team and for the time he has been here with us. He was a great team player and a person we really enjoy working with,” said Ayao Komatsu.

“His experience and feedback have been invaluable to us in terms of improving our overall performance. This is a fact that is clearly evident both in qualifying and in his VF-24 racing performance this season.”

“We still have a lot of races ahead of us this year. We therefore look forward to continuing to benefit from his contribution throughout the remainder of the 2024 season,” added the Haas boss.

Hulkenberg has made a very strong impression at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The German has scored points in 3 of 5 starts and is credited with Haas’ seventh place in the Constructors. Good results helped the German to secure his place at Audi from the 2026 season onwards.

Minutes after Haas’ announcement, it was confirmed that Hulkenberg will drive for Sauber from the 2025 season. The experienced German returns to Heinville after an absence of more than 10 years. He previously drove for Sauber in the 2013 season

Hulkenberg will replace some of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhu. Sauber is expected to part ways with both drivers at the end of this year

Hulkenberg signed a multi-year contract. He will thus become Audi’s first driver after the brand’s entry into F1 in 2026. Nico has over 200 Formula 1 starts behind him and is an important building block for the continued successful development of the team from Hinville. Alongside his commitments to the Sauber team in the 2025 season, he will be closely involved in the development of Audi’s first F1 car.

“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back to Hinville from 2025 and race with him in Formula 1. With his speed, experience and dedication to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team as well as the project on Audiv Formula 1,” said Andreas Seidl.

“Right from the start, there was a lot of mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong person. His contribution, both professionally and personally, will help us to make progress in both the development of the car and the building of the team,” added the Sauber CEO and future Audi team principal.

“I’m coming back to the team I worked with in 2013. I have good memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland,” said Hulkenberg.

“The prospect of racing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters F1 with such determination, it shows what a unique opportunity it is for me. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a German-made powertrain is a great honor for me,” added the current Haas driver.