Formula 1: Top Three Candidates Haas Might Consider to Replace Hulkenberg Following His Move to Audi

• Nico Hulkenberg recently announced he would be departing Money Gram Haas for Audi
• The German’s switch looks poised to cause a ripple effect in the 2025 drivers’ market
• Sports Brief spotlights a list of drivers Haas could consider in replacing the veteran driver

The 2024 Formula 1 'silly season' continues to provide thrilling spectacles as drivers and key figures, whose departures would have once seemed unlikely, have either announced their exits or hinted at them ahead of the 2025 season.

The surprise news of Lewis Hamilton joining Scuderia Ferrari HP was the first bombshell to drop, followed by reports of Adrian Newey's potential departure from Red Bull.

While fans debated the possibility of the Austrian team's chief technical officer leaving, Money Gram Haas confirmed that driver Nico Hulkenberg would be leaving the team at the end of the season to join Audi for 2025.

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Following the announcement of the 36-year-old's departure, Sports Brief spotlights a list of drivers that the American Formula 1 team could consider as replacements for Hulkenberg.

Drivers that could replace Hulkenberg at Haas

Oliver Bearman

The Prema Racing driver emerges as the heavily rumoured choice to replace the departing German at the Kannapolis team.

The 18-year-old made his Formula 1 debut with Ferrari at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, stepping in for Carlos Sainz, who was undergoing surgery for appendicitis. The young British driver seized the opportunity in style, coasting to an impressive seventh-place finish at the Jeddah race.

Signing the young driver could offer several advantages for Haas, including cost-effectiveness, as well as the potential to have a world championship points challenger within their ranks.

Mick Schumacher

Another former Prema Racing driver himself, the ex-Formula 2 champion, has not experienced the dream Formula 1 career he hoped for when he made the leap upward in 2021.

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The German driver showed promise during his stint with Haas, and a return to the American constructor could be an option for Schumacher.

The Mercedes reserve driver could be another option for Haas, as unlike in his rookie years, he now boasts a wealth of experience in the sport, which would appear fitting, especially considering that the departing Hulkenberg is also an experienced driver. Schumacher will also be cost-effective for Haas, making him a financially viable option.

Carlos Sainz

The Ferrari driver remains without a seat on the 2025 Formula 1 grid. While he often mentions that his representatives are in discussions with various teams, it must be noted that the Spaniard's high salary and demands have left him without a seat for now.

Sainz could consider the option of Haas if he is unable to secure a seat on the grid next season. The move for the 29-year-old could also prove beneficial for Haas, as they would be acquiring one of the best drivers on the grid.

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Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu, and the Haas team will go about filling the void created by Hulkenberg's departure.

Adrian Newey’s immediate future

In another report Sports Brief highlighted a list of teams that Red Bull's Adrian Newey could join following reports of his departure from the Austrian team.

The 65-year-old could be ending his 19-year stint at Milton Keynes at the end of the 2024 campaign.