Official: Nico Hülkenberg to drive for Sauber then Audi from 2025
It's official: Nico Hülkenberg will have a prime position for 2025. He'll be driving for Sauber from next year, then for Audi as soon as the German manufacturer enters the F1 championship.
Nico Hülkenberg, a seasoned driver with nearly 16 full seasons of experience in F1, will join the Sauber team for the 2025 season on a minimum two-season contract, with the exact duration unspecified. With a long-term contract secured, he will become the first driver signed by Audi for the manufacturer’s entry into F1 in 2026, acquiring the Sauber factory in Hinwil.
Boasting over 200 races in the discipline, Nico Hülkenberg has never won in Formula 1 but has been associated with numerous different teams since his debut with Williams in 2008. He then moved to Force India before joining Sauber in 2013, followed by stints with Renault and a return to Racing Point (formerly Force India) in 2020 for replacements, then back to Haas in 2023 after serving as a reserve driver for Aston Martin in 2021 and 2022.
Nico Hülkenberg is excited about joining one of the most promising teams in the coming years with the backing of a powerhouse like Audi: « I’m returning to the team I worked with in 2013 and have good memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland, » said the driver from Emmerich-am-Rhein.
« The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it’s a unique opportunity. Representing the factory team of a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me. »
Audi announced its entry into Formula 1 with great fanfare from 2026 onwards, coinciding with the introduction of the new engine regulations. The Bavarian manufacturer has acquired the majority of the shares of the Sauber factory in Hinwil and already owns the Sauber team, but will officially become Audi only in 2026 when the car is powered by the German power unit.
« We are very pleased to welcome Nico [Hülkenberg] back to Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1. With his speed, his experience, and his commitment to the team, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of the Audi F1 project, » commented the current CEO of Sauber and future CEO of the Audi F1 factory, Andreas Seidl.
« Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong personality, and his contribution, both professionally and personally, will help us progress in both car development and team building. »
With the first Audi seat taken, rumors are talking about some names for the second seat. Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon are often quoted.
