Nico Hulkenberg has admitted the step Sauber made late last season has provided hope that replicating Haas’ turnaround in Formula 1 is “possible” for the team in 2025.
Hulkenberg has returned to the Sauber side that he spent a sole season with in 2013 on a multi-term deal as it prepares to morph into the works Audi entry from next year.
The transition into Audi will coincide with a wholesale regulation change, providing the German marque, which will build its own engine, with a chance to climb the charts.
But despite Sauber languishing last in the Constructors’ Championship last term, Hulkenberg has suggested the upcoming campaign is not a guaranteed lost cause.
The Hinwil-based squad produced a slight improvement as the previous campaign drew to a close as an upgrade package in Las Vegas culminated in Zhou Guanyu ending its points drought in Qatar, while Valtteri Bottas qualified ninth in Abu Dhabi.
Hulkenberg derived encouragement from that upturn and, having driven the C44 in the post-season test, insisted that Sauber had reduced the gap to the midfield group.
And the German believes that getting in the mix is an attainable target in 2025 based on his own experience with Haas recovering from being 10th in 2022 to seventh in 2024.
Asked whether Sauber has the potential to repeat what his ex-team did, he told Auto Motor und Sport: “The Haas example shows that it is possible even in a short time.
“I also believe that Sauber has already taken the first step in the right direction with the upgrade from Las Vegas. That was a big correction.
“And in the last three races, the car was clearly more competitive and closer to the field. That was also my impression during the [post-season] test.
“The foundation is not so bad. Of course, there is still a lot to be done in detail and there are still some things to optimise. The direction is clear.”
Hulkenberg denies Renault and Audi comparison
With 227 starts to his name, Sauber will be dependent on Hulkenberg to spearhead the team’s charge this season as he partners rookie Gabriel Bortoleto in a revised line-up.
But his spell with the Audi-owned squad won’t be Hulkenberg’s debut venture with a manufacturer in F1 as he spent three seasons with Renault from 2017 until 2019.
However, Hulkenberg has dismissed that there are comparisons between the two, citing the Anglo-French marque had past pedigree in the series compared to Audi.
Asked whether it will represent a new dimension in his protracted career, Hulkenberg responded: “I believe so. Renault was different. They were already there once.
“A little bit it’s comparable, but then again, not really. Audi is of course a bigger brand, a big name.
“The Formula 1 stage is significantly bigger today than it was back then. I am looking forward to the challenge and am curious to see what time will bring.
“We are getting a lot of reinforcements, as many capable people are joining the team.”
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