P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nico Hulkenberg is close to penning a long-term deal with Audi to commence from the 2025 Formula 1 season, according
Audi announced last month that it will complete a 100% takeover of the Swiss outfit as it presses ahead with plans to construct an engine for the revised regulations. Hulkenberg’s status as the sole German on the current grid has seen him viewed as a viable fit for the German outfit as it prepares to venture into F1 for the first time. Hulkenberg has impressed since his return to the sport last term and has capitalised on Haas’ resurgence this campaign to score points in three of the opening races. However, Hulkenberg’s contract expires at the end of the current season and it has been touted that he will switch to the Sauber team in time for its transition to Audi. Sport1 writes that Hulkenberg has agreed to align his career with Audi’s nascent F1 operation and will move to Sauber in 2025 prior to the brand’s gradual acquisition. Sport1 has documented that Hulkenberg, 35, could be all but guaranteed a long-term place within Audi’s ranks with a deal that would comprise an initial three seasons. Providing Audi’s reported deals herald the green light from both Hulkenberg and Sainz, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be left without a seat heading into next year.
