After 3 years of warming the bench, Nico Hulkenberg joined forces with Haas in 2023 when the American outfit decided to part ways with his compatriot Mick Schumacher. A very underrated driver who has been shy of a podium despite a Formula 1 career lasting for a decade and a half has now been entrusted with a mammoth task. The 36-year-old German is set to oversee the incoming German Team Audi. But before that happens, the existing German team, Mercedes, has already been dragged in for a nationalistic duel.

Let us take a look at the context first. The power units of Mercedes are manufactured in Brixworth, in the Northamptonshire region, as opposed to Audi’s aim to build its engines will be built in Germany in Neuburg, in the Land of Bavaria. A patriotic remark from Hulkenberg against Toto Wolff and his pack points to this fact.

According to Formula Passion, Nico said, “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. Representing the official team of such an automotive brand with a power unit produced in Germany is a great honor for me.”

But instead of this ‘jibe’, Nico has otherwise felt very grateful. After all, he is returning to Sauber after a ‘break’ of more than a decade.

“thrilled and honored”: Nico Hulkenberg pens down a heartfelt note as he returns to Sauber

On 31 October 2012, Sauber confirmed that they had signed Hulkenberg for the 2013 season. Cut to 2024, Sauber has once again confirmed that the German driver will be driving for them. This homecoming was an expected one, as the rumor mill had been ripe about this move for weeks now. And the man at the center of the Audi-Sauber move is nothing but grateful for it.

He took to his social handle to write, “I am thrilled and honored to return to Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 and to represent the global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer AUDI on its way into Formula 1 in the future. It‘s a big project with high ambitions and a huge challenge, a challenge that I am very much looking forward to. The conversations with Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann were very trustful, characterized by a lot of appreciation and mutual understanding regarding the common goals. At the same time, I would like to express a special thank you to the entire Haas F1 Team, especially Gene and Guenther, for placing their trust in me 1,5 years ago and making a comeback in F1 possible. I will do everything I can in the remaining 19 races to be as successful as possible.”

Who do think will join Nico as his teammate?

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