Another F1 transfer! Experienced Hülkenberg to leave Haas after the season, German signs with new team

The somewhat monotonous course of the ongoing Formula 1 season is being replaced, at least for the time being, by events outside the race circuit. Following Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of his departure from Mercedes to Ferrari, German grand prix driver Nico Hülkenberg has followed suit. The 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans winner has parted ways with the Haas team and signed a multi-year deal with Sauber, which will be taken over by Audi in 2026.

If Formula 1 rather lacks on-track action and freshness at the front of the grid, it no doubt makes up for it with compelling stories off the tarmac.

Although young shots like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc trust their existing teams, seasoned drivers like Lewis Hamilton and, more recently, Nico Hülkenberg are by no means shy of change.

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes to Ferrari is clearly one of the biggest transfer bombshells in history. The same cannot be said of Hülkenberg for logical reasons. However, F1 teams continue to be interested in the 36-year-old German’s services.

Officially: Hülkenberg to Sauber

The next steps for Hülkenberg, who is still without a podium finish, will lead from Haas, for whom he has raced for the last two years, to Sauber, which will be transformed into an Audi stable from the 2026 season onwards. Hülkenberg has signed with Sauber for an unspecified length of time, but it is a multi-year commitment.

Haas boss Ajao Komatsu commented on the German driver in an official press release on the stable’s website. “I would like to thank Nico for his contribution to the team during his time with us. He is a great team player and his experience and feedback has proved invaluable. We have a lot of races coming up this year, so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his input for the rest of the season.”

Hülkenberg began his Formula 1 adventure in 2010 at Williams. In his debut season, he already surprised by taking pole position in variable conditions in Brazil.

In the following seasons, he tried his hand as a test driver and driver for several teams, namely Force India, Sauber and Renault. After a three-year hiatus from the sport, he was eventually snapped up by Haas, for whom he has taken four championship points so far this year.

Sources: F1, Haas F1 Team