Nico Hulkenberg decides to make a move; Leaves Haas for a homecoming

Days after a lot of speculations and discussions, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg has decided to leave the team. Hulkenberg will leave Haas after the ongoing season and will join Sauber (Audi from 2026) after signing a long-term deal.

There were reports about Hulkenberg potentially leaving Haas after his ‘intimate’ meeting with Sauber officials. Now, Haas officially announced that the 36-year-old racer will not participate in F1 with them after the 2024 season.

This is the first signing for Sauber which will turn into Audi from 2026. The German outfit will be keen to make a blistering comeback into the F1 grid. Speaking about its Haas team Principal Ayao said, “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.”

“His experience and feedback have proved invaluable to us in terms of improving our overall performance – a fact that’s evident in both his qualifying and race performances in the VF-24 this season. There’s lots more racing to go this year so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his input throughout the remainder of the 2024 season.”

'I have fond memories' says Hulkenberg on returning to Sauber

Welcoming Nico Hulkenberg to his team Sauber team principal and future Audi F1 factory team said, “We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1. 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."

“Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. 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 also expressed his views about the decision and called it a ‘homecoming’. He said, “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland.

“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.”