Top five drivers who can replace Nico Hulkenberg at Haas for F1 2025

The German driver has confirmed his departure for the 2025 season

It has been confirmed that Nico Hülkenberg, the current Haas F1 driver, is set to part ways with the team following the 2024 season. 

Nico will join the Stake F1 Team Sauber which is soon to be rebranded as the Audi Works team from the 2025 season. Haas has been very uncompetitive up till now in the 2024 season. 

However, Nico Hülkenberg surpassed teammate Kevin Magnussen in points last season despite the Haas car’s poor performance.

Although Hülkenberg had taken a break from the competition, his comeback was characterized by steady performances has clearly attracted the attention of Audi’s ambitious F1 ambition.

BREAKING: Nico Hulkenberg will race with Kick Sauber in 2025! #F1 pic.twitter.com/P7vkj0rRma

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 26, 2024

We’ll get to see Hülkenberg on the 2025 grid representing the Sauber with a three-year contract till 2027. But this news has raised questions about the vacant seat after he moves to Sauber.

Let us have a look at some of the potential candidates that might fill in the 2nd spot in Haas F1 in 2025.

5. Sergio Perez

Currently, Sergio Perez is at the forefront of the grid with Red Bull, partnering with Max Verstappen. While he is still not in level with Max Verstappen, he has piloted one of Red Bull’s top-performing cars.

However, Perez’s future at Red Bull remains uncertain with his contract ending this year. There may be a possibility that Red Bull might get attracted to Carlos Sainz’s availability. In that case, Perez is a prime contender for any vacant seats on the 2025 grid.

4. Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu was found emotional after the Chinese Grand Prix. He came in 14th in that race with tears streaming down his face in front of the main grandstand in Shanghai. 

After the news of Nico Hülkenberg moving to Sauber, Zhou’s future also looks insecure, like his teammate Valtteri Bottas.

He hasn’t been performing that well this season with 11th in Bahrain his best finish so far.

However, after the return of Shanghai to the F1 calendar, Haas might consider the Chinese driver to race on his home ground representing their team.

3. Theo Pourchaire

Theo Pourchaire has been looking out for opportunities to join Formula 1 for quite a while now. After winning the F2 championship in 2023, it seemed that his next logical step would be to join top racing series, like Formula 1.

Despite being a reserve driver and part of the Sauber Academy, Pourchaire couldn’t find a spot on the grid because most seats were already taken. However, later in 2024, he made his debut in Super Formula Series with Team Impul.

2. Valtteri Bottas

After Sauber has declared that Nico Hülkenberg will join them in 2025, it is yet quite uncertain which driver he’ll replace in Sauber. Some reports suggest that both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu might leave to make room for Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz.

In return, Haas might consider Valtteri Bottas as a viable option to replace Hülkenberg. He’s more experienced compared to younger drivers, which is something former team boss Guenther Steiner preferred.

1. Oliver Bearman

Oliver Bearman currently stands at the top of the list of replacements for Nico Hülkenberg in Haas F1. The 18-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy Junior made a big impression during his first Formula 1 race in the Saudi Arabian GP 2024.

He raced as a replacement for Carlos Sainz, who was undergoing his appendix surgery and managed to complete the race with an impressive P7.

Because of his strong debut, many fans think he is the best candidate to join Haas next year.

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