Climbing the ladder
Born in Emmerich, Germany, Nico started karting at the age of nine and became German Junior Kart Champion in 2002 and German Champion in 2003. In 2005, he clinched the Formula BMW Championship. Between 2006 and 2007, Nico led A1 Team Germany to the A1GP series title, with nine race wins. He went on to clinch the FIA Formula 3 Euro Series title in 2008, followed by the GP2 (now F2) title in 2009.
First stint in F1
The rising German talent quickly attracted attention in Formula One. He made his debut with Williams in 2010, scoring points in only his third Grand Prix and taking advantage of the changing conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix to claim his first pole position. After leaving Williams and spending a year as a test and reserve driver, Nico drove for Force India, Sauber and Renault from 2012 to 2019, establishing a reputation as a quick driver with great technical knowledge.
Coming home
Between 2020 and 2022, Nico continued in Formula One as a reserve and development driver for Racing Point and Aston Martin, stepping in for Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, and Sebastian Vettel respectively in different occasions and always delivering outstanding results. In 2023, Haas brought him back as a full-time driver. With impressive qualifying and race performances, 'Hulk' proved he is still one of the most reliable drivers in the business and was announced as the first driver for the future Audi F1 factory team in April 2024. Competing for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 is a homecoming for the German, who was previously part of the Hinwil-based team in 2013. With all his experience, Nico will help lead the team in its quest to reach the top of Formula One.
