Nico Hulkenberg admitted that his return to Sauber “was going to be difficult” while all the teams in the peloton have progressed a lot in 2024, unlike the team based in Hinwil.
The German begins his second stint with the Swiss team this year, as it transitions to the Audi F1 factory project for 2026.
The 37-year-old, who previously drove for Sauber in 2013, warned that the high level of competitiveness from other teams would make it difficult to improve in 2025 compared to his difficult 2024 season.
Sauber finished last in the 2024 constructors' standings with four points, 13 behind ninth-placed Williams.
“I'm not worried, but, you know, it's a competitive sport, and everyone pushes a lot.”
“The gap remains very slim, as we have seen recently. Alpine is back, Aston Martin will probably come back, so yes, it will be difficult and I think there is work to be done, without a doubt , to improve our position.”
Hulkenberg added, however, that the improvements Sauber released towards the end of last year contribute to some positivity.
“Lately it's been looking a little brighter. It seems like the Las Vegas update for them did something and put them on the right track, in the right direction.”
-Hulkenberg, however, refused to comment on his post-season test in Abu Dhabi, due to a still-ongoing contract with Haas F1.
Hulkenberg, on the other hand, said a word about his future teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian won the FIA Formula 2 championship this season, winning the drivers' title at the first attempt, having also won the Formula 3 championship as a rookie in 2023.
“We always watch F2, you know, a little bit. We follow it because it's the future that's coming, and yes, congratulations to him.”
“Winning Formula 3 as a rookie and now Formula 2 as a rookie is very impressive.”
“It’s been a long time since anyone has done this, so there’s a lot of talent. A promising driver.”
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