P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Hulkenberg set for Audi F1 switch after Haas departure revealed
Audi has set its sights on Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz as key targets for its official F1 entry as a works team in 2026, with plans for them to join Sauber next year. While Sainz is still considering other options, Hulkenberg is believed to have committed to an Audi future. Hulkenberg’s departure from Haas at the end of this season creates a space for Ferrari reserve Oliver Bearman to potentially join the team in 2025. The team principal of Haas, Ayao Komatsu, expressed gratitude towards Hulkenberg for his contributions and praised his impact on the team’s performance. The teammate alongside Hulkenberg at Sauber next year remains uncertain, with Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou possibly not staying with the team. Sainz is still a key target for Sauber, but he is waiting for a clearer picture to emerge from other teams in the coming weeks.
