MIAMI — The 2024 Formula 1 season is just a few races in, and the Miami Grand Prix is yet to get underway.
But one of the major storylines in Miami this week continues to be the upcoming driver transfer market, which will set the grid for 2025 and beyond.
The latest big move? The announcement from Nico Hülkenberg that at the end of this season with Haas, he will move to Sauber for the 2025 campaign and beyond. The beyond portion of that refers to the 2025 season, when Sauber will become the Audi works team. The move pairs a German manufacturer in Audi, with a German driver in Hülkenberg.
During Thursday’s media session ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Hülkenberg addressed the move. At the outset, the driver expressed gratitude, as well as “happiness,” at the opportunity.
“I think happiness,” said Hülkenberg to the media, including SB Nation, when asked his feelings on the move. “Happy, and, you know, I think it’s a reward to the good work that I and my team put in, and I think it’s credit to the good work of the last year and a half since the comeback.
“Of course, I’ve done the odd mistake. But on balance, you know, the performance I think was pretty good. So, I’m just happy that it is the way it is.”
Hülkenberg was also asked about his relationship with Andreas Seidl, and how that played a role in his move. While praising his former — and future — boss the driver also told an amusing anecdote about his previous attempt at a comeback.
“So fortunate,” started Hülkenberg. “It came there, you know, through [Seidl]. And he’s a very direct and straightforward guy with me.
“I remember 2020, probably before the season started, and I was not sure what I wanted to do. But I remember phoning him up and, he was at McLaren obviously at the time, And I was looking [for a spot so I asked him] ‘[I]s there maybe a chance for me?’
“And he was straight. ‘No, don’t even get your hopes up. It’s not going to happen.’”
However, circumstances have changed, and the two are set to be reunited next season.
“And this time around, years later, it was very different, you know? And he was very keen to help me.”
Still, Hülkenberg has the rest of the season left with Haas, and the driver remains focused on the job ahead. “Obviously, I’m still pretty much in the season and focused on what’s ahead,” described the driver during his media session. And he does have come gratitude as well for his current team.
After all, they gave him that shot at a comeback.
“I feel very happy here [at Haas], you know? And they were also the team that gave me the chance of a comeback.
“That obviously also carries some importance and appreciation from my side towards the team.”
