Nico Hulkenberg admits Sauber’s struggles will make his return challenging, with rivals advancing after the team’s tough 2024 season.
Nico Hulkenberg acknowledged that his return to Sauber “will be challenging,” as all the teams on the grid made significant progress in 2024, unlike the Hinwil-based outfit.
The German driver begins his second stint with the Swiss team this year as it transitions toward Audi’s factory F1 project for 2026.
The 37-year-old, who previously drove for Sauber in 2013, warned that the high competitiveness of rival teams will make it difficult to improve in 2025 after a tough 2024 season.
Sauber finished last in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship with four points, 13 behind Williams in ninth.
“I’m not worried, but, you know, this is a competitive sport, and everyone is pushing hard.”
“The gap remains very tight, as we’ve seen recently. Alpine is back, Aston Martin will likely return, so yes, it will be difficult, and I think there’s work to do, no doubt, to improve our position.”
Hulkenberg added, however, that the upgrades Sauber introduced late last year offer some grounds for optimism.
“Recently, it looked a bit brighter. It seems the Las Vegas update worked for them and put them on the right track, heading in the right direction.”
However, Hulkenberg declined to comment on his post-season test in Abu Dhabi, citing an ongoing contract with Haas F1.
Hulkenberg did, however, share a few words about his future teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian won this season’s FIA Formula 2 championship, claiming the drivers’ title on his first attempt after also securing the Formula 3 championship as a rookie in 2023.
“You always keep an eye on F2, you know, a bit. You follow it because it’s the future coming through, and yes, congratulations to him.”
“Winning Formula 3 as a rookie and now Formula 2 as a rookie is very impressive.”
“It’s been a long time since anyone has done that. There’s a lot of talent there—a promising driver.”
- Discover More>Verstappen: Red Bull’s 2025 Title Hopes Depend on Significant Progress
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Sauber’s Uphill Battle: Hulkenberg Faces 2025 Challenges Sauber’s Uphill Battle: Hulkenberg Faces 2025 Challenges
