Driver Nico Hülkenberg will compete for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber for the next Formula One season and past, having signed a multi-year contract that extends at the least till 2026. In that 12 months, he’ll turn out to be the primary driver for Audi’s entry into the highest class of motorsport. With expertise from over 200 F1 races, Nico is a vital constructing block for the persevering with profitable improvement of the group. In parallel to his commitments for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber within the 2025 season, he can be intently concerned in creating Audi’s first F1 automotive for 2026.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Nico Hülkenberg back to Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula One. His speed, experience, and commitment to teamwork will be instrumental in our team’s transformation and Audi’s F1 project,” mentioned Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and the longer term Audi F1 manufacturing facility group. The choice to work collectively has not been taken flippantly. There was a powerful mutual curiosity in constructing one thing long-term from the outset. Nico’s return to Sauber, a group he has beforehand labored with and has a strong connection to, is a strategic transfer that underlines our dedication to success. His sturdy character {and professional} and private enter will undoubtedly assist us progress in automotive improvement and group constructing.
Nico Hülkenberg is likely one of the most completed drivers in Formula One. He has repeatedly confirmed his skill to set up himself rapidly in a brand new atmosphere and deal with new challenges with dedication. This just isn’t his first encounter with the group. “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland,” mentioned the racing driver from Emmerich-am-Rhein. “The prospect of competing for Audi is something extraordinary. When a German manufacturer enters Formula One with 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.”
Nico proved his expertise early on with 4 titles between 2005 and 2009 in probably the most important single-seater junior classes. In 2008, he attracted consideration throughout take a look at drives in Formula One earlier than making his debut in 2010, competing in additional than 200 races for seven completely different Formula One groups. He has achieved quite a few podium finishes and has constantly carried out all through his profession. In an uncommon transfer for his era of drivers, Nico competed within the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) throughout an ongoing Formula One season in 2015, profitable the 24 Hours of Le Mans on his debut. His group principal on the time was Andreas Seidl. All is about for a reunion.
Background data
With the choice to absolutely purchase the Sauber Group, AUDI AG in March has set a vital course for their introduced entry into F1 in 2026 – thus accelerating Sauber’s transformation right into a manufacturing facility group. As CEO of the longer term Audi Formula 1 manufacturing facility group, Andreas Seidl oversees operational implementation. Oliver Hoffmann is accountable for the Formula 1 programme in his new function as Chief Representative of the Audi Board of Management. In this perform, he’s the chair of the boards of administrators of all Sauber firms and the shareholders’ assembly of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is accountable for creating the facility unit on the Neuburg facility.
