Nico Hulkenberg was pleased to end the final race of the season with a points finish in Abu Dhabi, a Grand Prix that also marked the last appearance of the Sauber name before the squad transition into Audi in 2026.
After a difficult Qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit left Hulkenberg in P18, the German embarked on a recovery drive in Sunday’s race – his 250th Grand Prix start – that saw him climb up the order.
With Lance Stroll and Ollie Bearman each receiving a five-second time penalty for making more than one change of direction – dropping them both backwards – Hulkenberg was promoted up into a final result of P9, handing him two points to round out the campaign.
Reflecting on that outcome after the race, the 38-year-old said: “To be honest after yesterday and coming from P18, I’m very, very pleased with that. All things considered, yesterday was just a poor showing.
“Unfortunately we let ourselves down there, and it’s very difficult to come back from there with everyone doing similar race pace. So all things considered, very happy to steal those two points, and I think a worthy end to the last race of the season.”
The weekend was a historic one in bringing a close to Sauber’s long era in the sport, 32 years after the squad – founded by Peter Sauber – made their Formula 1 debut back in 1993.
When asked if the result in Sunday’s race felt like a fitting way for the name to end, Hulkenberg responded: “Yeah, absolutely. Peter’s legacy will live on – he’s been in the industry for so long, big respect for him and what he’s achieved, what he’s done.
“We’ll digest all this season, and then reset, regroup – obviously winter time’s not too long this year – and we’ll look forward to the new cars.”
The team will return in 2026 as Audi, with the German manufacturer previously setting out their ambition to win a championship by 2030.
.webp?ssl=1 "All the key moments from the 2026 Australian Grand Prix as Mercedes enjoy a perfect start and Oscar Piastri suffers shock pre-race exit")
