Nico Hulkenberg committed to the Sauber\/Audi project relatively early last season, making the decision to join a team with the backing of a manufacturer. On paper, leaving a customer team like Haas for a team with the financial resources of Audi is a logical move.<\/p>\n
However, Sauber are still in a somewhat awkward transitional phase.<\/p>\n
Last season was evidence of this, with the Swiss team only bringing significant updates at the Las Vegas GP<\/a> – as the 2024 season came to an end.<\/p>\n Despite the last twelve months being relatively underwhelming, Nico Hulkenberg remains optimistic about the project.<\/p>\n For all of Sauber’s struggles last season, there is no shortage of ambition at the Audi project.<\/p>\n Alongside current CTO Mattia Binotto, ex-Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will join Hinwil-based operation as team principal later this year.<\/p>\n In combination with the financial muscle of a manufacturer like Audi, there is plenty of firepower behind Nico Hulkenberg’s next chapter.<\/p>\n However, investing into the necessary facilities and personnel to climb the field takes time.<\/p>\n This is not only true for 2025, but for 2026 and beyond. In addition to the established big names, the likes of Aston Martin and Williams<\/a> are in a strong enough position to disrupt the established order in the medium-term.<\/p>\n Mattia Binotto has already spoken about the indecision within the team when he first arrived.<\/p>\nHulkenberg outlines 2025 expectations<\/h2>\n