Nico Hülkenberg is Set to Leave Haas at the End of the Season
The German Driver Has Been a Reliable Asset for Haas and Is a Key Part of Audi’s Project for 2026

The Hulk’s Moment 🏎️
Audi is officially hitting the Formula 1 track in 2026, taking the wheel of the Sauber team but they’re not waiting until then to warm up the engine. Audi’s already working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition for the 2025 season, paving the way for a successful takeover.
🚨| Sky Sports Germany suggests that Nico Hulkenberg is on the verge of signing a contract to drive for Audi from 2025.
The contract will be for 3 years which will see him drive for the team until the end of the 2027 season. #F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/W7EUMHwSBN
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 25, 2024
According to F1 news, one of Audi’s moves is signing Nico Hülkenberg for two years. He’ll race under the Stake Sauber brand in 2025, then switch to the new Audi colors when they debut in 2026. This smooth transition helps Audi get a head start and Hülkenberg gets to be part of the exciting new chapter!
The Rise of Hülkenberg and Audi’s Interest
Hülkenberg’s resurgence in the F1 schedule has garnered attention from multiple teams with vacant seats, ultimately leading to discussions with Audi. His remarkable performance at Haas, including out-scoring his teammate and securing crucial points, has undoubtedly elevated his standing in the eyes of potential employers.
Nico Hülkenberg with ANOTHER points finish!
🇸🇦 P10
🇦🇺 P9
🇯🇵 P11
🇨🇳 P10 pic.twitter.com/I7R51muetM— formularacers (@formularacers_) April 21, 2024
Audi knows Hülkenberg can deliver! His experience and racing chops convinced them to bring him on board. He’s a driver who can get great F1 results.
With the possibility of joining Audi, his racing career is heading back into the fast lane. When reporters asked about the F1 rumors, Hülkenberg kept things close to the vest. With a smile, he simply said, “I don’t comment on speculation.”
Great drive by Nico to take P10 today, we leave China with 1 point 🇨🇳#HaasF1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/dEfRq0kbNV
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) April 21, 2024
The Implications: Carlos Sainz Jr.
Looks like Nico Hülkenberg just stole the show! For months, everyone thought Carlos Sainz Jr. was a lock for Audi in 2026. It was mentioned that Sainz’s arrival was a priority for Audi.
Our new #MiamiGP race suits have dropped! 🚨
Looking the part, boys 💙#F1 pic.twitter.com/L4dsIh6CDg
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 25, 2024
But Sainz has not committed to Audi because is waiting to see if Red Bull or Mercedes offer him a seat for 2025.
Meanwhile, Audi CEO Andreas Seidl seems to have his dream team in mind. He sees both Sainz and Hülkenberg as ideal drivers, likely due to their past factory experience (working directly for a car manufacturer’s racing team) and were even teammates at Renault in 2018.
Five Grands Prix and a Sprint down, a look at the gains and losses on this time last season 📊
What surprises you most? 🤔#F1 pic.twitter.com/8IFoiee0FJ
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 25, 2024
This driver market is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever. With big changes coming in 2025 and 2026, it looks like a wild ride for Formula 1!
Author: Sin City Sniper
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