F1 News: Hulkenberg becomes a driver for the Audi factory team
The course for Audi’s Formula 1 project continues to be set. The first driver has now been confirmed: Nico Hulkenberg has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber and will start for the Audi factory team in 2026.
He will be driving for Sauber as early as 2025 and accompany the transformation to the factory team, as the Swiss company announced today.
Related Article: Formula 1 News: Hulkenberg’s best hope is a move to Audi
The most incredible career renaissance. From sidelines to stand-in to signing for one of the biggest auto manufacturers in the world as they join Formula 1. It’s a brilliant story.
With his experience of more than 200 F1 races, the German will make an important contribution to the development phase of Audi’s future team: “The signing of Nico is the next milestone for Audi’s Formula 1 project.
With his speed, his experience and his dedicated teamwork, he will make an important contribution to Audi’s entry in 2026 as early as next year,” says Andreas Seidl, CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team.
“Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in tackling a project of this uniqueness together. Nico is a strong personality, his determination and desire 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.”
Nico Hulkenberg says: “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it’s a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me.”
The appointment of Nico Hulkenberg follows the plan announced in March to take over Sauber completely and the appointment of Oliver Hoffmann as General Representative of the Board of Management of Audi for the Formula 1 commitment. In this role, Hoffmann also chairs the boards of directors of all Sauber companies and the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is responsible for the development of the power unit at the Neuburg site.
Haas Statement
Ayao Komatsu: “I’d like to extend my thanks to Nico for his contributions to the team. 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.”
Updated 2025 Silly Season Table
Last Updated April 26, 2024
2025 F1 Silly Season Page | ||||||
Team | Engine | No. | Driver | Nat. | Rating | Comments |
Audi Sauber | Ferrari | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Germany | Fact | Signed thru 2027 |
77 | Valtteri Bottas | Finland | Speculation | Waiting to be replaced | ||
Alpine F1 Team | Renault | 31 | Esteban Ocon | France | Strong | Expected back |
61 | Jack Doohan | Australia | Speculation | Waiting in the wings | ||
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team | Mercedes | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Spain | Fact | Signed thru 2026 |
18 | Lance Stroll | Canada | Fact | Daddy owns the team | ||
Ferrari | Ferrari | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Monaco | Fact | Signed thru 2028 |
44 | Lewis Hamilton | England | Fact | Signed thru 2026 | ||
Moneygram Haas F1 Team | Ferrari | 10 | Pierre Gasly | France | Speculation | Could replace Kevin Magnussen |
38 | Oliver Bearman | England | Strong | Expected to replace Hulkenberg | ||
McLaren F1 Team | Mercedes | 4 | Lando Norris | England | Fact | Signed |
81 | Oscar Piastri | Australia | Fact | Signed | ||
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team | Mercedes | 55 | Carlos Sainz Jr. | Spain | Strong | Will replace Hamilton |
63 | George Russell | England | Fact | Signed thru 2025 | ||
Red Bull Racing | Honda | 1 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Fact | Signed thru 2028 |
11 | Sergio Perez | Mexico | Strong | Expected back given recent performance | ||
Visa Cash App RB | Honda | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Japan | Strong | Expected back |
40 | Liam Lawson | Australia | Strong | Expected to replace struggling Ricciardo | ||
Williams Racing | Mercedes | 23 | Alex Albon | Thailand | Fact | Signed |
TBD | Kimi Antonelli | Italy | Strong | Expected to Replace Sargeant |