Nico Hulkenberg has no second thoughts about leaving Haas, despite the team's noticeable progress this season.
The 37-year-old German will make the switch to Sauber after the Abu Dhabi finale, ahead of the team's transformation into a full works team for Audi in 2026.
Hulkenberg made his decision to leave before it became evident just how much Haas was improving under the new leadership of Ayao Komatsu.
"For the first time in the history of our team, we have managed to improve," Komatsu, the new team boss, said. "We are making the car better with every step because we are open to all ideas and self-critical."
Just days ago, Haas also announced a new technical partnership with Toyota, giving the team further resources to enhance its performance.
Despite Haas' upward trend and the fact that Sauber currently sits last in the 2024 standings without scoring a point, Hulkenberg insists he has no regrets.
"I don't speculate. For me, it's not an issue," Hulkenberg told Sky Deutschland. "Everything is set and everything is fine. Like Haas, Sauber just needs a winter, and next year things will have to be different. The cards will be reshuffled.
"I have no doubts at all. I'm fully on board," he said confidently.
Hulkenberg did acknowledge Haas' impressive progress this season.
"We have brought four or five updates now and each time something has happened. Not always 100 percent positive or good, but at least something is happening and something is changing. Last year, in comparison, was really dull.
"The processes now are better, smoother, and more efficient," Hulkenberg added.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Hulkenberg made the right choice in opting for Audi-Sauber over Haas for the long term.
"He's looking ahead," Schumacher explained. "Haas will remain a small team for now and it will take a while until the Toyota issue perhaps takes hold. And by then, he will be retired."
As a former Toyota works driver, Schumacher admitted the new Haas-Toyota alliance would eventually bear fruit, but expressed concerns about Haas' ability to handle the all-new 2026 regulations.
"Then they have to start over again completely and this compact little team will show its limits. That's why Hulkenberg is right to go to Audi.
"Also, and I don't want to offend the team owner Gene Haas, but he is no longer the youngest man," Schumacher added.
