During the Formula 1 mid-season break, Nico Hulkenberg shared insights on the development of the Sauber team as it prepares for its transition to Audi in 2026. The German driver emphasized that the Swiss-based racing outfit is making clear progress toward that major change.
Having joined Sauber at the start of the 2025 season, Hulkenberg highlighted the many technical transformations the team has undergone but confirmed that overall momentum remains positive. He pointed to the ongoing work behind the scenes on the team’s infrastructure and organizational structure as signs of growth, even though there is still a gap to the leading teams.
Insights on Sauber’s growth and future preparations
Nico Hulkenberg acknowledged the significant technical shifts planned for the 2026 season, noting widespread uncertainty in the paddock but confidence within Sauber’s development process. He said,
“Obviously so many things change on the technical side next year and I think many people are in the dark and we can only really just speculate. But what is being built behind the scenes and the infrastructure, and the team structure that we’re building, that is growing. I think that looks good, [it] looks positive. Still a lot more to do if we look and compare ourselves to the top runners currently, but [we are] definitely going in the right direction.” —Nico Hulkenberg, Driver
Currently, Sauber is enjoying its strongest Formula 1 campaign in recent years, with Hulkenberg partnered by rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. The team stands seventh in the constructors’ championship, holding 51 points, just one point behind Aston Martin, which sits in sixth. This performance marks a significant improvement compared to the 2024 season when Sauber only scored four points, all accrued at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Nico Hulkenberg reviews his season progress so far
Looking back at the first half of the 2025 season, Hulkenberg described his time with Sauber as largely positive. He particularly noted an upswing in results after the Spanish Grand Prix, which helped change the momentum for both himself and the team.
Reflecting on his performances, Hulkenberg shared,
“Well, if I look back and reflect on it, I think it’s definitely more positive than anything else. Obviously, if you consider, looking from winter testing when we started, the first couple of races, then since Barcelona, five races consecutively in the points, a podium, a couple of really strong drives and performances from us.” —Nico Hulkenberg, Driver
“So, I think the trend is right. It would have been nice to start there, but it came differently But definitely recently, I think we are heading in the right direction.” —Nico Hulkenberg, Driver
Hulkenberg’s 2025 season marks his best start in Formula 1 in recent years. His podium finish at the British Grand Prix broke a long dry spell, contributing to his current ninth place in the driver standings with 37 points.
Sauber’s trajectory and outlook toward 2026
The steady advance of Sauber underscores the team’s commitment to building a competitive foundation ahead of Audi’s takeover in 2026. With technical upgrades underway and a stronger driver lineup producing consistent results, the team appears poised to close the gap to the frontrunners. Hulkenberg’s hopeful and determined approach reflects a belief that this progress will build momentum for the transition.
As Sauber continues to refine its operations, the coming months will be critical for maintaining upward movement in both performance and organizational strength. The challenges of adapting to the new technical regulations and establishing Audi‘s presence in Formula 1 will demand sustained effort, but the signs so far suggest Sauber is prepared to meet those demands with optimism.