Bombshell Nico Hulkenberg exit as first domino falls in F1 musical chairs

April 26, 2024 Viral10 News 0

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German Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas to join Sauber at the end of the ongoing Formula One season, the two teams announced on Friday.

The 36-year-old returned as a regular driver in the sport after a three-year absence with Haas in 2023 and has impressed so far this season, scoring points finishes in three of five races.

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“There’s lots more racing to go this year so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his inputs throughout the remainder of the 2024 season,” said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.

Hulkenberg will rejoin Sauber, who he previously raced for in 2013.

The Swiss team is set to become an Audi factory team in 2026 and has been rumoured as a potential destination for Ferrari discard Carlos Sainz.

“With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team — and of Audi’s F1 project,” said Sauber and Audi F1 CEO Andreas Seidl.

Hulkenberg has lined up for more than 200 races in F1 but is yet to post a podium finish, although he did take pole position for the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix while with Williams.

Meanwhile, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Daniel Ricciardo needed to produce “head turning” performances to have a chance of returning to Red Bull next year.

Ricciardo had been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Sergio Perez — the Mexican’s contract expires at the end of this season.

But the Australian veteran has been regularly outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda and is yet to record a world championship point.

Horner said Ricciardo’s chances of being elevated from AlphaTauri to Red Bull were “pretty much in Daniel’s hands.”

“He needs to show the kind of head-turning form to make not only ourselves but potentially to make others take notice,” Horner said.

There’s also the factor of Kiwi Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson, who showed he was an F1-calibre driver when filling in for an injured Ricciardo last year.

“Obviously, waiting in the wings is a driver with the talent of Liam Lawson, who naturally is champing at the bit to get an opportunity,” said Horner.

“But there’s nothing pre-set or preordained as to when or even if that would take place.

“The priority is for sure for the drivers that are in the race seats at the moment and we’ll see how that pans out.”

“Obviously, we keep a close eye on the drivers, we keep a close eye on their development. “And I have to say, Yuki, conversely, has had a great start to the season and is driving very well. So, for us, as a sister team, we take a close interest on those drivers.”

The F1 season continues at the Miami Grand Prix on Monday May 6 (AEST).

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