Audi F1 have their first driver as Nico Hülkenberg joins Sauber

German Method 1 driving force Nico Hülkenberg will progress to Sauber on the finish of the season, changing into the primary driving force introduced for the staff that can transition into Audi F1 in 2026.

The 36-year-old’s depart from American outfit Haas to the Swiss-based Sauber used to be introduced on Friday night time AEST.

A veteran of greater than 200 grands prix, Hülkenberg has lengthy been touted as the person German producer Audi sought after to go into F1 with in 2026.

Sauber will surrender the reins of the staff to Audi on the finish of the 2025 season.

“The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special,” Hülkenberg stated in a observation.

“When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity.

“To constitute the issue staff of this type of automobile logo with an influence unit made in Germany is a splendid praise for me.”

Hülkenberg’s F1 career appeared to be over at the end of the 2019 season when he was not offered a contract at Renault.

He filled in for Racing Point (now Aston Martin) three times during the 2020 season and then became the team’s reserve driver.

He returned to the grid full-time with Haas in 2023.

F1 broadcaster and journalist Will Buxton described the German’s comeback from obscurity as “a magnificent tale”.

“Essentially the most fantastic occupation renaissance. From sidelines to stand-in to signing for one of the most greatest auto producers on the earth as they secured Method 1,” he wrote on social media.

With Hülkenberg confirmed for 2025 it means one of the team’s current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will certainly not be with the team next season.