F1 is officially witnessing its next driver market shake-up. Nico Hulkenberg has reportedly exited Haas to join Sauber in 2025. The German driver is returning to the Swiss-based team after 11 years, since his one-year stint with them in 2013. Evidently, this has also blown the doors wide open for Haas/Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman to step up from F2. Additionally, F1TV presenter Lawrence Barretto has also revealed Bearman to be the favorite.

Hulkenberg has reportedly finalized a 3-year deal with Sauber (to be Audi in 2026). This is unexpectedly bad news for Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, one of whom is likely to be axed. But for Oliver Bearman, who impressed the entire F1 world when he replaced an ailing Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia, it is sweet music. The British rookie performed spectacularly to beat the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, finishing P7 at Jeddah.

However, a sad truth awaited him as both Ferrari seats were blocked for 2025. So he declared that he would love to join Haas, for whom he is a reserve driver. “I have a lot of practices with Haas this year,” he told Sky Sports. “So I’m looking forward to building up a relationship and gaining more miles in the car. And hopefully, a door could open there (for 2025), that would be fantastic.”

His dream has nearly come true. According to Lawrence Barretto, Bearman is most likely to replace the departing Hulkenberg in 2025. “Haas are not announcing who will replace Hulkenberg for 2025 – but sources say Ollie Bearman is favourite to get that seat,” Barretto wrote on X.

For Bearman, this will come as a breath of fresh air because his 2024 F2 championship has been below par. He is P19 in the championship with only two points to his name. Hulkenberg, however, is already in reveling in joy.

Nico Hulkenberg recalls Sauber’s “fond memories” before beginning Audi adventure

Despite Nico Hulkenberg’s brief stint with Sauber over a decade ago, his time with the team can be considered successful. The German driver finished P10 in the drivers’ championship, a feat that seems highly unlikely to be repeated by a current Haas driver. Though 2025 is still far away, Hulkenberg has already expressed his excitement about the reunion.

“I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland. The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters 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 honour for me.”

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Like 2024, 2025 could also be a near write-off for Sauber. But 2026 promises a new wave of performance, with Audi taking over the team’s operations. If they get it right, Hulkenberg could finally get his 1st F1 podium. Do you think that can be a possibility? Let us know in the comments below!