Nico Hulkneberg and Esteban Gutierrez will drive for Sauber in 2013 according to multiple sources in the Korean paddock.
It’s expected Sauber will announce the duo for next season in the coming weeks.
A free seat emerged at the Swiss team thanks to Sergio Perez’s promotion to McLaren where he replaces Lewis Hamilton, opening the door for Hulkenberg to join the outfit from his current team Force India which sits 33 points behind in the championship.
Despite rumours the German could join Ferrari as Felipe Massa’s replacement, the Brazilian has all but been confirmed at the Italian team to continue partnering Fernando Alonso next year.
Kamui Kobayashi will lose his place in F1 with the young Mexican driver, and current reserve, Gutierrez taking the Japanese driver’s seat.
The 21-year-old has links to Mexico’s Telemex which sponsors the team. It was rumoured Telemex would leave Sauber following Perez’s departure, but team principal Monisha Kaltenborn confirmed the Carlos Slim owned company would continue to support Sauber in 2013, backing up claims Gutierrez will be promoted alongside Hulkenberg.
The free seat alongside Paul di Resta at Force India is being fought over by Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil – a former Force India driver.
