Nico Hulkenburg to join Kick Sauber in 2025

It was announced this morning that Nico Hulkenberg will depart from Haas F1 after two years of driving for them. The German driver will reunite with Sauber, after a year’s stint in 2013, for a single season before Audi take over in 2026, he has become the first confirmed driver for the Audi lineup.

Hulkenberg joined F1 in 2010 driving for Williams, despite earning their first pole in five years he was released at the end of the season. He has represented Force India, Renault, Racing Point, and Aston Martin before making his return in 2023 to a struggling Haas to replace Mick Schumacher.

In 2023 ‘The Hulk’ only picked up points on one occasion at the Australian Grand Prix where he finished 7th. The 2024 season has already seen an improvement at Haas as they have been regularly competing for points, Hulkenberg has finished in the points on three occasions already racking up four points – three points more than teammate Kevin Magnussen.

Sauber chief executive Andreas Seidl spoke highly of the driver commenting that he will be an important part of the Audi project.

“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”.

On X Hulkenberg stated

“I am thrilled and honoured to return to Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 and to represent the global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer AUDI on its way into Formula 1 in the future”.

He also shared gratitude towards the Haas F1 Team who gave him an entry back into F1, adding how he “will do everything I can in the remaining 19 races to be as successful as possible”.

This confirmation joins the other eight drivers of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, George Russel, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri who have seats for next season. There are still 12 spots remaining, including the other Sauber seat which may come down to a season long battle between Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas … leave your predictions in the comments below!