The German Nico Hulkenbergdriver with more than 200 races in Formula 1has signed for the Sauber team for 2025 before the transformation to Audiwith which will leave Haas at the end of this season, a team he joined in 2023.
Why did Hulkenberg change teams for next season?
”When a German manufacturer enters F1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. Representing the factory team of a car brand with a German-made engine is a great honor for me,” declared Hulkenberg, who was excited to announce his new destination.
”I return to the team I worked with in 2013 and I have good memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland. The perspective of compete for Audi later on it is something very special,” he said.
The German He debuted in Formula 1 in 2010 with Williamswill return to Sauber where he already competed in 2013 and will work again with Andreas Seidlwith whom he won the 24 Le Mans with Porsche in 2015. Seidl himself, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and the future Audi factory team, also showed his happiness at “welcoming Nico back” and praised his figure as pilot.
”From the beginning there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico has a strong personality and your contribution, on a professional and personal level, will help us progress both in the development of the car and in the construction of the team. With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the project,” commented Seidl, in statements provided by his team.
Sauber will be Audi in 2026
Nico will only race one season under the Sauber name because the team confirmed in March that by 2026 it will become Audiafter the German luxury vehicle manufacturer reached a purchase agreement with the majority shareholder of Sauber, Islero Investments AG.
While Audi’s debut arrives with a new power unit, which it has been working on for some time, Sauber’s cars will continue to use the engine. Ferrari. The first tests are scheduled for next year.
