Nico Hulkenberg is set to join Sauber, also known as Stake F1 Team, located in Hinwill, Switzerland, next season. This move comes as Sauber prepares for the full acquisition by Audi in 2026 for their debut campaign in F1. Andreas Seidl, CEO of the future Audi factory team in F1, expressed his excitement about the signing, stating that Hulkenberg’s speed, experience, and teamwork will be valuable assets for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 next year.
Seidl emphasized the mutual interest between Hulkenberg and Audi in embarking on this unique project together. He praised Hulkenberg’s strong personality, determination, and dedication, which will contribute to the car development and team establishment. Seidl and Hulkenberg have previously worked together during their successful stint at Le Mans, with Seidl as head of Porsche WEC and Hulkenberg as a guest driver.
Hulkenberg, who missed out on the 2011, 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, will enter his 12th full season in F1 when he dons the Audi colors in 2026. He had four starts as a substitute for Racing Point and Aston Martin during his time off. Hulkenberg expressed his excitement about the opportunity to race for Audi, describing it as a special and unique opportunity. Representing a German manufacturer in Formula 1 and being part of a factory team with a German-made power unit is an honor for him.
The press release also mentioned that Hulkenberg’s appointment is in line with the plan to fully acquire Sauber, as announced in March. Oliver Hoffmann has been appointed as General Representative of the Audi Board of Directors for their commitment to Formula 1. Hoffmann will also chair the boards of all Sauber companies and the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, responsible for power unit development at the Neuburg site.
The identity of the second Audi driver is still a mystery, although there have been rumors linking Carlos Sainz to the project since the announcement. Speculation intensified when Seidl was appointed project leader. Sainz and Seidl have previously worked together at McLaren. However, the seat remains vacant for now.
Similarly, the seat at Haas, left vacant by Hulkenberg, is also open. The prevailing belief is that Ferrari will pay to have Oliver Bearman in the car. Kevin Magnussen, currently in the second car, has been disappointing and his contract expires at the end of the season. It is still unknown whether Gene Haas wants to bring in two new drivers, one of whom would be a rookie.
In a separate press release, Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Hulkenberg’s departure and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the team. Komatsu praised Hulkenberg’s role as a team player and highlighted the value of his experience and feedback in improving the overall performance of the VF-24 this season. Komatsu also mentioned that they expect to benefit from Hulkenberg’s contributions for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Hulkenberg has participated in 200 Grand Prix races throughout his Formula 1 career, which began with Williams at the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix. However, despite his extensive experience, he has never achieved a podium finish in a Grand Prix.
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A new soccer championship is about to begin and promises to stir up fans all over the country. With high-level teams and talented players, the competition is expected to be fierce and full of excitement.
The first game of the season will take place next Saturday at the city’s main stadium. Tickets are already on sale and the expectation is for a full house. Fans are eager to see their teams in action and are confident in victory.
In addition, the competition will feature the presence of big names in national soccer. Renowned players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be on the field representing their teams and showcasing all their talent.
The rivalry between teams is also expected to be intense. Traditional classics like Flamengo vs Vasco and Corinthians vs Palmeiras are scheduled for the upcoming rounds and promise to stop the country. Fans are already preparing for the matches and the rivalry is becoming increasingly fierce.
In addition to the games, the competition will also feature a series of parallel events. Shows, raffles, and marketing actions are scheduled to take place throughout the championship, making the experience even more complete for the fans.
So, get ready for an exciting season full of surprises. Stay tuned for all the news from the championship and don’t miss any moment. The ball will roll and the excitement is guaranteed.
