Tue. Oct 21st, 2025
Nico Hulkenberg - Photo: Sauber Media Hub

Nico Hulkenberg has opened up on his move to Sauber and his hopes of the team moving forward.

Hulkenberg enters a new era of his Formula 1 career with Sauber in 2025 after his departure from Haas was announced ahead of the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix.

The German driver was a revelation at Haas during his two years with the team, finishing 11th in 2024 and helping the American team finish seventh in the Constructors Championship with a number of standout results.

The upturn in fortunes for Haas under new team principal Ayao Komatsu has left many questioning Hulkenberg’s decision to leave the team for Sauber, who finished the 2024 season rock bottom of the Championship with just one points finish, courtesy of Zhou Guanyu.

Nico Hulkenberg – Photo: Sauber Media Hub

Hulkenberg is expecting a tight midfield battle in 2025 and hopes Sauber can jump up the standings before they become Audi in 2026 for the new regulation period.

“I would not worry, but, it’s a competitive sport, and everyone is pushing a lot,” said Hulkenberg.

The 2024 season saw Alpine go from the slowest car on the grid for a double podium in Brazil and a sixth place finish in the Championship and 2025 promises to be even more interesting with a new look lineup for Haas and a multiple time race winner, Carlos Sainz, joining up with the impressive Alex Albon at Williams.

Hulkenberg is pinning his hope on the late resurgence of Sauber in 2024  which saw Zhou score points and Valtteri Bottas get into Q3 at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“Alpine is back, probably Aston [Martin] will come back, so yeah, it’s going to be tough and I think there is work ahead, no doubt. In the closing stages, it’s looked a bit brighter [for Sauber]. It looked like the Vegas update for them did something and put them on the right track, in the right direction.” 

Hulkenberg will be assisted by young Brazilian and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto fresh from his impressive Formula 2 campaign.

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