The news comes from the German newspaper Car engine and sport, which reports how Gabriel Bortoleto, current leader of the championship Formula 2 and part of McLaren's youth program, has reportedly reached an agreement for a seat at Sauber starting in the 2025 season. The official announcement has not yet arrived, but according to rumors, the agreement is now defined.
An opportunity for the young Brazilian talent
Bortoleto has caught the attention of many in the paddock with an impressive season in Formula 2, following up his Formula 3 title last year. With the support of McLaren and a top-notch line-up, the young Brazilian has shown promise in motorsport, quickly earning the respect and interest of rival teams as well.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella recently stated that the British team would not stand in the way of Bortoleto's Formula 1 journey, leaving open the possibility of seeing him at the wheel of another team in 2025. This willingness seems to have paved the way for the agreement with Sauber.
Sauber as a springboard for Bortoleto
With Sauber set to become an official Audi team from 2026, the team is currently in a transition and renewal phase. Pairing an emerging talent like Bortoleto with an experienced driver like Nico Hulkenberg could be a strategic move, aimed at ensuring technical continuity and laying solid foundations for the Audi project.
Sauber’s choice to focus on a young talent rather than a more conservative profile, such as Bottas or Zhou, signals an ambitious approach aimed at long-term growth. World champion Max Verstappen also praised the young Brazilian, declaring that “If I were Sauber, I would have signed with him already”, adding prestige to Bortoleto’s prospects.
Colapinto and Bortoleto, South America's return to Formula 1
Bortoleto’s possible move to Sauber, along with Argentine Franco Colapinto’s rise to prominence at Williams, signals a renewed enthusiasm for South American drivers in Formula 1. Both drivers have proven their worth and are enjoying strong support from fans across the continent. If both manage to secure permanent seats in 2025, South America would once again be a major player in the championship, reviving the legacy of legends such as Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio.
A strategic move for Audi and McLaren
In the context of an increasingly competitive Formula 1 based on the development of young talents, collaboration between teams for the future of drivers appears crucial. Andrea Stella has underlined the importance of facilitating Bortoleto's career, although McLaren does not currently have a place to offer him. The choice of Sauber, therefore, would not only open the doors of F1 to the Brazilian, but would allow McLaren to guarantee a growth path for one of its youngsters without hindering his ascent.
With 2025 just around the corner, we just have to wait for official confirmation, which many predict could arrive in the coming weeks.
