Nico Hulkenberg suffers unexpected eye injury in Sauber garage after debris incident forces urgent medical attention in Formula One testing

Nico Hulkenberg’s return to the Formula One spotlight took an unexpected turn after a bizarre incident in the team garage left him needing urgent medical attention.

The seasoned driver, who recently joined Sauber for the 2025 season, suffered a freak eye injury on Wednesday, forcing him to miss the post-session press conference.

A Speck of Trouble

According to reports from Sky Germany, Hulkenberg’s injury was caused by a tiny speck of dust or sand that got lodged in his eye during routine mechanical work.

Sauber mechanics were carrying out grinding work on the C45 car when a small splinter unexpectedly made its way into his eye.

Despite completing an impressive 55 laps with a best time of 1:32.169, the discomfort forced him to withdraw early and seek immediate treatment.

Quick Recovery and Return

Fortunately, the issue was not serious. After receiving medical assistance, Hulkenberg was able to return to the track the following day for testing.

His participation confirmed that the injury did not have lasting effects, allowing him to continue preparations for the upcoming season.

A Fresh Start with Sauber

Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber marks a new chapter in his Formula One career.

After parting ways with Haas, where he spent two seasons, the German driver found himself back with a familiar team.

Over the years, he has driven for several teams, including Williams, Force India, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, and Haas.

Despite being a substitute driver at times, most notably replacing Mick Schumacher at Haas in 2023, he has maintained a strong presence in the sport.

A New Partnership on the Grid

With the start of the season approaching, Hulkenberg is set to race alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, the reigning Formula Two champion.

The duo replaces former Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Switzerland-based team.

As testing continues, all eyes will be on Hulkenberg to see how he adapts to his new environment and whether he can make an impact in the upcoming season.