Kick Sauber confirm Hulkenberg and Bortoleto to run in post-season test

Kick Sauber have confirmed that their new 2025 driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will run in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, which will follow the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg will join the Swiss outfit after spending the last two seasons at Haas, helping to reinstate them as a consistent midfield team that is currently embroiled in a battle for P6 with Alpine.

READ MORE: Bottas reflects on the ‘most difficult’ season of his career as he and Zhou prepare for Kick Sauber exits

His future Sauber team mate is Formula 2’s Gabriel Bortoleto, a former McLaren junior driver who enters the Abu Dhabi weekend with a slim 0.5-point lead over Isack Hadjar at the top of the standings.

Replacing outgoing drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the pair were signed in preparation for Audi’s 2026 takeover of Sauber, when they will hope to take full advantage of the sweeping regulation changes.

Before the on-track action kicked off at Yas Marina on Friday, Sauber announced the news as COO and CTO Mattia Binotto said: “This is an important first step for both Nico and Gabriel as they integrate into the team.

“For Nico, this is a chance to get a feel for the car and begin the close collaboration with our engineers ahead of what promises to be a very busy 2025 season.

F2: Gabriel Bortoleto vs Isack Hadjar – the closest title fight in history

“For Gabriel, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, familiarise himself with Formula 1 machinery with its complex procedures, and take the first steps in his development at the highest level of motorsport.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both in action and starting our journey together.”

The duo join a comprehensive list of drivers making their maiden appearances for their 2025 teams – Carlos Sainz will drive for Williams, Esteban Ocon will get an outing with Haas, and although Yuki Tsunoda has a contract with RB, he will be given the chance to drive for Red Bull in the test on Tuesday, December 10.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton will have to wait until next year for his official Ferrari debut as Toto Wolff explained that Mercedes wanted to focus on giving the seven-time world champion a deserved farewell.

READ MORE: Zhou opens up on ‘relief’ of scoring Kick Sauber’s first points of 2024 in Qatar after 'draining season'