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

The 36-year-old returned to the sport as a regular driver for Haas in 2023 after a three-year sabbatical, and he has impressed so far this season, finishing in the points in three of five races.

 “There is a lot more racing to go this year, so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his contributions for the rest of the 2024 season,” said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. 

Hulkenberg will rejoin Sauber, with whom he last competed in 2013.

The Swiss squad is scheduled to become an Audi factory team in 2026.  

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

 Hulkenberg has competed in more than 200 Formula One races but has yet to finish on the podium, despite taking pole position for the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix while with Williams.