Nico Hulkenberg of the Haas F1 Team is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a long-term agreement with Audi for the 2025 Formula 1 season, as per emerging reports in the German media.
Last month, Audi announced its intention to acquire the Swiss team completely and develop an engine for the revised regulations.
As the only German driver currently on the grid, Hulkenberg has been considered a suitable candidate for Audi’s entry into F1.
Hulkenberg has made a strong impression since his return to the sport last season and has taken advantage of 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 have been speculations that he will join the Sauber team ahead of 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 gradual acquisition by the brand.
The report suggests that Hulkenberg’s signature is the only remaining step to finalize the deal, and an official announcement could be made at the end of the following month.
When asked about his future prospects in Japan, Hulkenberg stated, “I believe it’s still early in the season, but things are starting to progress in different areas. The next couple of weeks should be quite interesting. Personally, I’m not in a hurry to get it done tomorrow.”
Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi disclosed during the China race last weekend that Audi’s emerging presence will ensure its active involvement in the driver market.
Helmut Marko, advisor to Red Bull, has shared that Carlos Sainz, who will leave Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, has a “lucrative” proposal from Audi under consideration.
However, despite rumors that Audi is eager to receive a response from Sainz in the upcoming weeks, it appears that Sainz intends to wait for decisions from Red Bull and Mercedes.
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull, has confirmed that Sergio Perez is in a favorable position to retain his drive following an impressive start to the season.
Meanwhile, Mercedes is evaluating the possibility of promoting 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who completed a testing session last week, to a higher position.
While Sainz’s future remains uncertain, it seems likely that Hulkenberg will leave Haas and return to the Hinwil-based team he represented in 2013.
Sport1 has reported that Hulkenberg, aged 35, could secure a long-term position within Audi’s ranks with a deal spanning three seasons.
If Audi’s reported agreements receive approval from both Hulkenberg and Sainz, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be left without a seat for the upcoming year.