- Hülkenberg to compete for Audi in Formula 1 from 2026
- Andreas Seidl: “Nico’s determination and desire will help us move forward”
[source: Audi AG]
The course for Audi’s Formula 1 project continues to be set. Following the announcement of the complete takeover of the Sauber Group to accelerate preparations for the brand’s entry into F1, the first driver has now been confirmed: Nico Hülkenberg has signed a multi-year contract with Sauber and will start for the Audi factory team in 2026. He will be driving for Sauber as early as 2025 and accompany the transformation to the factory team, as the Swiss company announced today.
With his experience of more than 200 F1 races, the German will make an important contribution to the development phase of Audi’s future team: “The signing of Nico is the next milestone for Audi’s Formula 1 project. With his speed, his experience and his dedicated teamwork, he will make an important contribution to Audi’s entry in 2026 as early as next year,” says Andreas Seidl, CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team. “Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in tackling a project of this uniqueness together. Nico is a strong personality, his determination and desire on a professional and personal level will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team.”
Nico Hülkenberg says: “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it’s a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me.”
The appointment of Nico Hülkenberg follows the plan announced in March to take over Sauber completely and the appointment of Oliver Hoffmann as General Representative of the Board of Management of Audi for the Formula 1 commitment. In this role, Hoffmann also chairs the boards of directors of all Sauber companies and the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is responsible for the development of the power unit at the Neuburg site.
Further information on the signing of Nico Hülkenberg can be found in the Sauber release below.
Niko Hülkenberg to Compete for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber from 2025 Onwards
[source: Sauber Group]
Hinwil – Driver Nico Hülkenberg will compete for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber for the next Formula One season and beyond. The German racer signed a multi-year contract and, in 2026, will become the first driver for Audi’s entry into the top class of motorsport. With experience from over 200 F1 races, Nico is an important building block for the continuing successful development of the team. In parallel to his commitments for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in the 2025 season, he will be closely involved in the development of Audi’s first F1 car for 2026.
“we are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula One. With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of Audi’s F1 project,” said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and also CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team. “Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team.”
Nico Hülkenberg is one of the most accomplished drivers in Formula 1 and has repeatedly proven his ability to establish himself quickly in a new environment and to tackle new challenges with determination. This is not his first encounter with the team. “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland,” said the racing driver from Emmerich-Am-Rein. “The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer entered Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honor for me.”
With four titles between 2005 and 2009 in the most important single-seater junior categories, Nico proved his talent early on. In 2008, he attracted more attention during test drives in Formula 1 before making his debut in 2010, going on to compete in more than 200 races for seven different Formula 1 teams. In an unusual move for his generation of drivers, Nico also competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) during an ongoing Formula 1 season, in 2015, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans on his debut. His team principal at the team: Andreas Seidl. All is set for a reunion.
Background Information
With the decision to fully acquire the Sauber Group, AUDI AG in March has set an important course for their announced entry into F1 in 2026 – and is thus accelerating the transformation of Sauber into a factory team. AS CEO of the future Audi Formula 1 factory team, Andreas Seidl is in charge of operational implementation. Oliver Hoffmann has overall responsibility for the Formula 1 program in his new role as Chief Representative of the Audi Board of Management. In this function, he is the chair of the boards of directors of all Sauber companies, as well as the shareholders’ meeting of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which is responsible for the development of the power unit at the Neuberg facility.
