Hulkenberg announces departure from Haas at the end of the 2024 season.
Breaking news this morning comes in the form of Nico Hulkenberg’s departure from HAAS to debut for Kick Sauber in 2025. HAAS is the team he joined in 2023 after a three-year break from F1.
Discussing the Move
Ayao Komastu, the HAAS Team Principal, 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 clearly 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 inputs throughout the remainder of the 2024 season.’
Of his switch, Hulkenberg himself 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.’
For the past three seasons, the team has been repped by Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. With the team set to be taken over by German manufacturer Audi soon – questions are arising as to who will sit in the second seat.
Who fills his vacant seat?
Elsewhere, according to sources, Oliver Bearman is the favourite to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Haas
Haas are not announcing who will replace Hulkenberg for 2025 – but sources say Ollie Bearman is favourite to get that seat. #F1
— Lawrence Barretto (@lawrobarretto) April 26, 2024
With what F1 fans dub as ‘silly season’ continuing to shock, stay tuned to see who goes where – and who may potentially be left without a seat next year.
Nico Hulkenberg to Kick Sauber for 2025