Abu Dhabi: Force India will lose driver Nico Hulkenberg to Sauber next season, the Swiss team confirmed here late on Wednesday.
Sauber, who have Indian Monisha Kaltenborn as their team principal, further said that the team will announce their second driver for the new season at a later date, leaving Kamui Kobayashi’s F1 future uncertain.
Germany’s Hulkenberg has ticked all the right boxes to make it as Sauber’s first choice for the new season. He won the GP2 Series in 2009 and made his Formula One debut with Williams the next year, taking a pole position in Brazil in his maiden year.
The 25-year-old served as a test driver with Force India last year before returning to the grid this season. He is now 12th in the drivers’ championship with 49 points and a best 2012 result of fourth place in Belgium.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the Sauber F1 Team,” Hulkenberg said. “It’s a well-placed team and very competitive. Plus it’s a team in which young drivers have repeatedly delivered exceptional performances. I would like to take up that baton.
“The Sauber F1 Team is going through a very positive development and I’m certain that together we can achieve a lot. Until that time I will remain fully focused on my job with the Sahara Force India Team. I’d like to thank the management at Sahara Force India for giving me the chance to return to Formula One as a team driver.”
Sauber team principal Kaltenborn was thrilled with her new signing, saying: “We’ve been observing Nico for some time now and his performances have been very persuasive. That was the case in GP2 and has continued into Formula One.
“An obvious highlight was how he scored pole at Interlagos in 2010 despite the most challenging external conditions. He clearly showed that he can seize the chance if it arises.”
Sauber have been enjoying a strong 2012 season and lie sixth in the constructors’ standings, one place and 23 points above Force India. Current driver Sergio Perez is moving to McLaren next season, while Force India are yet to confirm their 2013 line-up.
