Among the candidates for a Sauber seat in 2025, Mick Schumacher seemed a real possibility. However, Mattia Binotto chose to focus on Gabriel Bortoleto, a young Brazilian talent currently leading the Formula 2 championship. This decision came after a careful evaluation of several profiles, considering numerous factors before officially announcing Bortoleto.
Schumacher hypothesis discarded by Binotto
Binotto revealed that the team carefully evaluated several candidates, including Mick Schumacher. “I know Mick well and his capabilities,” Binotto said, noting that Schumacher was a valid option for Sauber. However, after much deliberation, the team decided to focus on the emerging talent of Bortoleto. “There were many interesting profiles, but in the end we made our choice and we are satisfied,” he said.
A young talent on the rise
Binotto described Bortoleto as “a fantastic driver with great potential,” noting not only his on-track qualities but also his character. “He is a great person, and this is an important element for our project,” he said. The Brazilian has caught Binotto’s attention thanks to a season of steady growth, marked by a marked improvement in performance midway through the year. “I have been following his career for a long time, but in the last few weeks I have seen his speed and his potential up close, and it is impressive,” Binotto explained.
A promising generation
The move to Bortoleto reflects a growing trend in Formula 1, where young drivers are gaining ground in the teams. Binotto praised the contribution of rookies, including Ollie Bearman and Franco Colapinto, who are showing that the transition to a new generation of drivers can be a winning move for the sport. “It’s good for Formula 1 to have new energy,” he said. However, Binotto clarified that the choice of Bortoleto was not influenced by the results of other rookies, but was based solely on the qualities of the Brazilian driver.
A bet for Audi's future
Sauber is having one of the toughest seasons in its history, with zero points with three races to go. Current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have failed to score points this season. With the team set to transition to Audi in 2026, the team has decided to invest in a young talent who can grow with the project. “We know next year will be tough, but with Audi coming in, we need a young driver who can develop with the team,” Binotto explained. “Gabriel is a logical choice for this growth path.”
Source statements: RacingNews365
