P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nico Hulkenberg has been announced as Audi’s first driver signing for its impending works F1 team following confirmation earlier on Friday that he will leave Haas at the end of the 2024 season
Nico Hulkenberg has become the first driver signing for Audi’s upcoming works Formula 1 team, as Audi is taking full control of Sauber and developing its own F1 engine for the 2026 rules. The team, not yet named Audi, is expected to replace current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu with Audi’s own selections for the 2025 season. Audi has been pursuing Carlos Sainz for a while, with hopes rising after Ferrari’s announcement of dropping Sainz for Lewis Hamilton in 2024. However, Audi is unable to finalize Sainz’s contract due to his interest in top teams like Red Bull. Meanwhile, Hulkenberg, who was also targeted by other teams, has been secured by Sauber/Audi for 2025, marking his return to a manufacturer team since 2019. Despite his successful interim performances, Haas was unable to match Audi’s offer to Hulkenberg, making the move seemingly inevitable for a long time.
