Gabriel Bortoleto appointed as a regular driver in F1 at Sauber in 2025

Sauber has confirmed the arrival of Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hülkenberg for the 2025 Formula 1 season, a duo that will combine the experience of a veteran and the enthusiasm of a rookie. This signing marks a strategic step for the team, the future representative of Audi in F1.

An opportunity facilitated by McLaren

The rising Brazilian star had been on Sauber's radar for some time, but being a member of the McLaren academy, contractual obstacles had so far hindered discussions. However, Andrea Stella, director of the McLaren team, has dispelled any ambiguity by stating that he will not stand in the way of a Formula 1 opportunity for his young protege, thus paving the way for the long-awaited transfer.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Sauber did not hesitate to finalize the agreement with the 20-year-old driver shortly after the announcement of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu's departure.

« It is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in sport in general, confided Bortoleto, enthusiastic, before adding that he was honored to join a team combining the Sauber legacy and Audi's ambitions: « My goal is to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico.

The young driver, FIA F3 champion in his first year in 2023, is already impressing in Formula 2, where he shines with his consistency. Leading the championship thanks to consistent finishes in the top 6, he has built a reputation as a reliable and high-performing driver, despite a limited number of victories.

A complementary duo

Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer of Sauber, welcomed the arrival of Bortoleto: Gabriel has already demonstrated in junior categories that he has the qualities to be a winning driver. We are very happy that he is joining the Sauber and Audi team. With Gabriel, we begin a journey towards success and we will evolve to become a unified force that will mark a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, which positions us strongly for the future.

On his side, Gernot Doellner, president of the board of directors of Sauber, sees this signature as a major step for the future: By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these young talents who are quickly making a name for themselves in F1. His signature strengthens Audi's long-term strategy and its commitment to Formula 1.

As the team struggles to shine in 2024, this new alliance between a promising rookie and an experienced driver holds hope for a 2025 season marked by renewal.