Audi's Early Moves In F1: Nico Hulkenberg To Join Sauber In 2025

Audi is making its presence felt on the Formula 1 grid well ahead of its planned 2026 entry. The German manufacturer, currently in the process of acquiring the Sauber team, has signed highly-rated driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season and beyond.

Hulkenberg, who currently races for the American team Haas, has been instrumental in propelling them ahead of Visa Cash App RB, Williams, and Sauber in the constructors' championship. The 36-year-old German is widely regarded as one of the most underrated drivers on the grid, and his signing is a clear indication of Audi's ambitions in F1.

"We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1," said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and the future Audi F1 factory team. "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."

Hulkenberg's arrival at Sauber means that either Valtteri Bottas or Guanyu Zhou will lose their seat next year, with both drivers potentially facing the axe as Seidl reportedly wants outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr to fill the other seat.

Seidl, who hired Sainz at McLaren, rates the Spaniard highly. However, given Sauber's current performance, a move to the team would be a step backwards for Sainz from the race-winning Ferrari. While there are potential openings at Red Bull and Mercedes, these are likely to be short-term options, whereas Audi's project is a long-term one.

Sainz's father, Carlos Sainz Sr, is also a legend with Audi, having won the World Rally Championship and Dakar Rally with the German brand. As Sainz approaches his 30s, he is keen to secure a seat in a world championship-winning car rather than one that is building towards success.

The situation could change dramatically if Adrian Newey leaves Red Bull, potentially triggering Max Verstappen's departure to Mercedes and opening up a seat for Sainz. However, time is running out for the Spaniard, as Audi has given him until the end of May to make a decision.

The signing of Hulkenberg is a clear indication that Audi means business and is unwilling to wait indefinitely for Sainz, especially with race winners like Bottas, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon available and out of contract for next season.

"I'm returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland," said Nico Hulkenberg, who drove for Sauber in the early 2010s. "The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 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."

Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu expressed his gratitude for Hulkenberg's contributions to the team, saying, "I'd like to extend my thanks to Nico for his contributions to the team in the time that he's been here with us – he's been a great team player and someone we very much enjoy working with."

As Audi continues to make moves in the lead-up to its 2026 entry, the signing of Nico Hulkenberg is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the German manufacturer's motorsport history.