German driver Nicolas Hulkenberg set to part ways with Haas F1 team at the end of ongoing Formula (F1) season and will join Kick Sauber in 2025. Hulkenberg signed the contract with Kick Sauber for the next F1 season and joined.
The 36-year-old joined the Haas team in 2023, marking his return to F1 after a three-year hiatus from the full-time drive. Nicolas will leave the American F1 squad after the culmination of ongoing F1 team and will begin his new innings at Kick Sauber.
Nico Hulkenberg replaced fellow German driver and legendary driver Michael Schumacher's son Mick at the Haas F1 in 2023. In the last F1 season, Hulkenberg finished 16th on the World Drivers' Championship. In the ongoing F1 season, the German driver is currently at the 13th spot after five Grand Prix at Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan and China.
Hulkenberg is having a better F1 season than his comeback season last year as he finished at top 10 at Saudi Arabian, Australian and Chinese Grand Prix while he secured 16th and 11th spot at Bahrain and Japanse Grand Prix, respectively.
Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu lauded the Nico Hulkenberg's contributions to the team over the last two seasons thus far.
"I like to extend my thanks to Nico for his contributions to the team in the ime that he’s been here with us – he’s been a great team player and someone we very much enjoy working with." Komatsu said.
"His experience and feedback have proved invaluable to us in terms of improving our overall performance – a fact that’s clearly evident in both his qualifying and race performances in the VF-24 this season." he adde
Nico Hulkenberg returns to Kick Sauber after 11 years
Nico Hulkenberg switch to Kick Sauber from the Haas F1 team in 2025 will mark the return of the German driver to the Swiss squad. Hulkenberg drove for Haas F1 in 2013 on a one-year deal. The German driver had a decent season as he finished 10th on the World Drivers' Championship standings.
Hulkenberg's former Sauber teammate Romain Grosjean was retained by the squad while the German driver was released after a season. It has been reported that Hulkenberg's return to Kick Sauber is part of the Audi F1 project as German outfit to make F1 debut in 2026 after completing the acquisition of the swiss team.
Speaking on his return to Kick Sauber, Hulkenberg has a fond memories working with the team in 2013. He added that Audi making their making into F1 is a unique opportunity for him.
"I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland." the 36-year-old said.
"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." he added.
