Haas have confirmed Nico Hulkenberg will leave the team at the end of the season.
The German racer has agreed to join the new Audi Formula 1 project. The automotive giant will enter the sport officially in 2026 when the existing Sauber outfit becomes its works team.
And, by landing Hulkenberg, Audi have secured one of their two top driver choices. The other is Carlos Sainz, who has yet to commit to the project as he considers other options for when his Ferrari spell comes to an end.
Hulkenberg said: "I'm returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland. The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special.
"When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me."
He leaves Haas having secured a return to the F1 grid with the American team last year, after three seasons without a full-time drive. Oliver Bearman is currently the favourite to replace him after the British teenager's stellar F1 debut for Ferrari last month.
However, a Haas spokesperson confirmed there will be no further driver announcements any time soon. Team principal Ayao Komatsu paid tribute tot he 36-year-old and said: "I'd like to extend my thanks to Nico for his contributions to the team in the time that he's been here with us - he's been a great team player and someone we very much enjoy working with.
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"His experience and feedback have proved invaluable to us in terms of improving our overall performance - a fact that's clearly evident in both his qualifying and race performances in the VF-24 this season. There's lots more racing to go this year so we look forward to continuing to benefit from his inputs throughout the remainder of the 2024 season."
Audi confirmed Hulkenberg will be "closely involved" in the work on their first ever F1 car. Chief executive Andreas Seidl said: "We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1. With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team - and of Audi's F1 project.
"Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team."