Nico Hulkenberg joins Sauber for 2025 Formula 1 season, first Audi driver

Nico Huklenberg will join Sauber for the 2025 F1 season and become Audi’s first driver when they take over the race team in 2026.

[autotag]Nico Hulkenberg[/autotag] returned to Formula 1 with Haas after not being in a ride, and his return has now reached a new level. On Friday morning, Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber announced that Hulkenberg will join the team for the 2025 season. It is unknown who the 36-year-old driver will replace, but this is notable for one major reason that doesn’t relate to next year.

In 2026, German manufacturer Audi will take over for Sauber. This means Hulkenberg will be Audi’s first driver, which is precisely what the manufacturer wanted from the start. Hulkenberg is a German driver, and Audi wanted a driver from the country. The German driver is also a good selection because of his consistent runs and ability to do well against teammates.

Carlos Sainz is another driver who has been linked to Audi, which would really complement and challenge Hulkenberg. For now, Hulkenberg will look forward to his first season with Sauber before Audi takes over in 2026. The German driver has been impressive since he returned, and nothing suggests that will change soon.

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