Brazilian talent and current F2 leader will partner Nico Hulkenberg in the Audi-backed team next year
Sauber has confirmed the signing of Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking a major milestone in the 20-year-old’s career. Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, will join the Audi-owned team, partnering veteran Nico Hulkenberg.
The decision also means that Sauber’s current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will not be retained for next season. Sauber’s chief operating officer Mattia Binotto described the choice to bring Bortoleto onboard as a “straightforward decision with no doubts at all,” citing the young driver’s impressive career progression.
Embed from Getty ImagesBortoleto, who won the Formula 3 title in 2023 in his debut season, has already made a name for himself in the junior categories. His quick rise through the ranks caught the attention of Sauber’s leadership. “He has demonstrated that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,” Binotto said. The team sees Bortoleto’s potential not just as a talented driver but also as a future leader for their ambitious Audi F1 project.
The Brazilian is managed by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and has been part of McLaren’s driver development program. McLaren recently confirmed they would release him at the end of the 2024 season, allowing him to take this next step in his career. “We have always been clear that we would not stand in the way of an opportunity for Gabriel to progress,” McLaren stated.
Bortoleto, who is eager to contribute to Sauber’s long-term goals, expressed his excitement about the project. “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport,” he said, referring to the Audi F1 journey. “I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.”
With Bortoleto joining Sauber, Brazil will once again have a full-time presence on the F1 grid, a notable milestone for a nation with a rich history in the sport, including world champions like Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna
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