Source – formula1.com
Audi’s first Formula 1 driver, Nico Hulkenberg, has been confirmed following Haas’ announcement that he will be leaving at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
In a move that has captivated the Formula One community, Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed as the first driver to represent Audi in their highly anticipated F1 debut. The 36-year-old German has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber, where he will race in 2025 before the team transitions to Audi’s control for the 2026 season.
Hulkenberg’s career resurgence has been nothing short of impressive. After three seasons without a full-time seat, he returned to the grid with Haas in 2023, showcasing remarkable speed, consistency, and determination. His strong performances caught the attention of Sauber, leading to this pivotal career milestone that places him at the forefront of Audi’s ambitious Formula One project.
Expressing his excitement, Hulkenberg said, “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. 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.”
However, Hulkenberg’s signing also raises questions about the future of Sauber’s current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. With Hulkenberg set to join the team in 2025, it is evident that one of them will not retain their seat. Speculation is rife that Audi is keen to secure the services of Carlos Sainz, potentially as early as 2026, suggesting that a complete overhaul of the team’s lineup could be on the horizon.
Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber is a homecoming, as he previously drove for the team in 2013. Throughout his career, he has raced for a variety of teams, including Williams, Force India, Renault, Racing Point, and Aston Martin. His extensive experience and proven skill set make him an ideal candidate to lead Audi’s entry into Formula One.
Sauber’s Chief Executive Andreas Seidl shared his enthusiasm for Hulkenberg’s return, stating, “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. 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.”
Hulkenberg’s journey back to a full-time seat in F1 is a testament to his resilience and dedication. After losing his seat with Renault in 2020, he took on the role of reserve driver with Racing Point, stepping in as a substitute for various drivers who were unable to compete. His impressive performances in these roles led Haas to offer him a full-time drive for the 2023 season, where he has consistently outperformed his teammate Kevin Magnussen, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s top drivers.
As the 2024 season progresses, Hulkenberg’s move to Sauber sets the stage for a fascinating driver market, with several seats still up for grabs. The grid is undergoing significant changes, and Hulkenberg’s confirmation as Audi’s first driver adds another layer of intrigue, particularly regarding the futures of Bottas and Zhou.
The ripple effects of Hulkenberg’s move are already being felt, with speculation about who will take his seat at Haas. British teenager Oliver Bearman, a promising Ferrari junior, is considered a strong contender. Bearman made an impressive debut earlier in the season, stepping in for an unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and is set to participate in six practice sessions for Haas this year. His potential promotion would continue the trend of young talents making their mark in Formula One, adding further excitement to the evolving driver landscape.
Hulkenberg’s signing not only marks a pivotal moment in his career but also underscores Audi’s serious commitment to their F1 project. With a seasoned driver like Hulkenberg leading the charge, Audi’s entry into the pinnacle of motorsport is poised to make a significant impact, with anticipation for the 2026 season already building.
