Nico Hülkenberg's 2025 season marked his return to the Hinwil-based Kick Sauber team, positioning him as the experienced benchmark against rookie Gabriel Bortoleto during a crucial developmental phase for the squad. This season was distinct from his previous campaigns, particularly his Nico Hülkenberg — 2024 season at Haas, as it placed him in a leadership role within a team undergoing significant transition.
Going in
Following a competitive but often frustrating period at Haas, Hülkenberg made the move to Kick Sauber for 2025. This marked his second tenure with the Hinwil outfit, having previously driven for them in 2013. The team, operating under the Kick Sauber banner, was in a transitional phase, building towards the full Audi factory entry in 2026. Hülkenberg's extensive experience, particularly in the ground-effect era that began in 2022, was seen as invaluable for car development and providing a solid benchmark. The team's ambition was to consolidate its midfield position, aiming for more consistent points finishes than in previous years. Hülkenberg's teammate for the season was rookie Gabriel Bortoleto — 2025 season, making his Formula 1 debut. The expectation was clear: Hülkenberg was to lead the charge, providing crucial feedback on the simplified aero and tunnel-floor ground-effect regulations, while Bortoleto gained experience.
How it played out
The season saw Hülkenberg quickly adapt to the Kick Sauber C45 chassis. Early in the year, he consistently demonstrated strong qualifying performances, often placing the car higher on the grid than its outright pace might have suggested. This allowed him to capitalize on early-race incidents or strategic opportunities. The field remained tightly packed in 2025, a continuation of the trend from 2024, which meant even minor gains in performance or driver execution could yield significant results. Hülkenberg's race craft proved essential in maintaining track position and fending off faster rivals. While the team struggled with mid-season development, often finding their car's performance plateauing against more resource-rich rivals, Hülkenberg consistently extracted the maximum from the package. The teammate battle saw Hülkenberg generally hold a clear advantage over Bortoleto, particularly in qualifying. While Bortoleto showed flashes of potential, Hülkenberg's consistency and ability to manage races were superior, as expected from a veteran against a rookie. Points finishes for Kick Sauber were sporadic, often requiring a combination of strong Hülkenberg performance and favorable race circumstances.