Nico Hulkenberg, a driver for the Haas F1 Team, is reportedly close to finalizing a long-term agreement with Audi for the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to recent reports in the German media.
Last month, Audi announced its intention to fully acquire the Swiss team and develop an engine for the revised regulations.
As the only German driver currently on the track, Hulkenberg has been considered a suitable candidate for Audi’s entry into F1.
Hulkenberg has impressed since his return to the sport last season and has benefitted from Haas’ improved performance this year, scoring points in three of the initial races.
However, Hulkenberg’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and there are speculations that he will join the Sauber team before their transition to Audi.
According to Sport1, Hulkenberg has agreed to align his career with Audi’s new F1 project and will move to Sauber in 2025 as part of the brand’s gradual acquisition.
The report suggests that Hulkenberg’s signature is the only remaining step to finalize the agreement, and an official announcement could be made by the end of next month.
When asked about his future prospects in Japan, Hulkenberg stated: “I believe it is still early in the season, but things are starting to progress in different areas. The next few weeks should be quite interesting. Personally, I am not in a rush to resolve this tomorrow.”
Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi revealed during the race in China last weekend that Audi’s emerging presence will ensure their active involvement in the driver market.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko shared that Carlos Sainz, who will leave Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, is considering a “lucrative” proposal from Audi.
However, despite rumors that Audi is eager to receive a response from Sainz in the coming weeks, it seems that Sainz intends to wait for decisions from Red Bull and Mercedes.
Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, confirmed that Sergio Perez is in a favorable position to retain his seat after an impressive start to the season.
Meanwhile, Mercedes is evaluating the possibility of promoting 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who completed a test last week, to a higher position.
Although Sainz’s future remains uncertain, it seems likely that Hulkenberg will leave Haas and return to the Hinwil-based team, which he represented in 2013.
Sport1 reported that Hulkenberg, at 35 years old, could secure a long-term position within Audi’s ranks with a three-season deal.
If the reported Audi deals receive approval from both Hulkenberg and Sainz, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be left without a seat for next year.
