Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed as Audi’s first Formula 1 driver after Haas revealed he will leave at the end of the 2024 season.
Hulkenberg has signed a multi-year contract that will see him drive for Sauber in 2025, after which the team will be taken over by German manufacturer Audi for the 2026 season and beyond.
The signing of the 36-year-old German, who has impressed since returning to the grid with Haas in 2023 after three years without a permanent drive, confirms that either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu will not drive for Sauber in 2025.
In a statement released on Friday confirming the signing, Hulkenberg said: “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special.
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Nico Hulkenberg venting his frustration over an apparent block in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
“When a German manufacturer enters Formula One with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me.”
Hulkenberg, who previously drove one season for Sauber in 2013, has also represented Williams, Force India, Renault, Racing Point and Aston Martin.
Sauber chief executive Andreas Seidl added: “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.
“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.”
More to follow…
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