HINWIL.- Nico Hülkenberg will leave the team haas of the Formula 1 to sign with Sauber at the end of the season, giving the team a German presence on the grid when it changes its name to Audi from 2026.
Hülkenberg, 36, will leave Haas after two seasons, both teams announced Friday.
Although the Haas car has not been very competitive, Hülkenberg scored more points than his teammate Kevin Magnussen last season and leads the Danish driver after five races this year.
German carmaker Audi reached a deal to take control of Swiss manufacturer Sauber last month and hopes to have a full team from 2026.
Hülkenberg will be “an important piece of the transformation” in the project and will be closely involved in the development of the car, Sauber said in a statement. He will bring the experience gained with more than 200 races in F1 since 2010, although he owns the record of being the driver with the most races without being on the podium.
As the only German on the grid, Hülkenberg also fits into Audi's promotional plans. He previously drove for Sauber in 2013.
Lewis Hamilton, current Mercedes driver, will also change teams for the next championship, when he will join Ferrari.
Renewed excitement in Formula 1:
“The chance to compete for Audi is something very special,” Hülkenberg said in a statement. “When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. Representing the official team of a car brand with an engine made in Germany is a great honor for me.
The move from Haas to Sauber will reunite Hülkenberg with Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl, who was Porsche boss when the driver won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015.
