Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber for 2025 F1 Season

The Formula 1 grid will welcome a promising young talent next season as Gabriel Bortoleto joins Sauber for 2025. The 20-year-old Brazilian driver, currently leading the Formula 2 championship, has been selected to debut alongside veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg. This strategic move marks Sauber’s commitment to developing young talent in collaboration with Audi as it aims to become a top-tier competitor.

Sauber’s leadership, particularly its Chief Operating and Technical Officer Mattia Binotto, expressed confidence in Bortoleto’s potential. According to Binotto, the team has been closely following Bortoleto’s progress through the junior ranks. “Gabriel is one of the most talented and high-potential drivers we have as rookies,” Binotto stated, emphasizing that Bortoleto’s impressive performances in Formula 3 and Formula 2 demonstrated his winning potential.

A New Era for Sauber’s F1 Ambitions

The 2025 season will bring significant changes to Sauber’s roster. With the exit of long-time F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the team is now placing its bets on younger talent. For Bortoleto, the transition to F1 aligns with his steady rise in the world of motorsports. Under the management of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and part of the McLaren driver development program, Bortoleto’s journey reflects his relentless ambition.

In a statement, McLaren acknowledged its decision to release Bortoleto, considering its strong lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. “We are not in a position to offer Gabriel a seat,” McLaren noted, “and we do not wish to stand in his way as he takes this next step with Sauber.”

The Future of Audi and Sauber Partnership

With Audi’s partnership, Sauber’s strategy focuses on long-term growth, targeting a championship by 2030. Binotto previously described this mission as a challenge akin to “climbing Everest.” As Sauber progresses, young talents like Bortoleto are seen as essential assets in establishing a competitive F1 team.

Bortoleto’s entry also brings a Brazilian presence to the F1 grid—a first since Felipe Massa in 2017. Brazil has a storied legacy in F1, with iconic drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna. Sauber’s decision to bring Bortoleto on board may inspire a new generation of Brazilian fans and elevate the team’s status in the sport.

In reflecting on his journey, Bortoleto expressed excitement about the future. “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport,” he said. The young driver looks forward to building with Audi and Sauber, stating, “I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.”