La news anticipated by several media, it is now official: Gabriel Bortoleto will be at the wheel for Audi – Sauber in the next Formula 1 season. The Brazilian driver, currently leading the Formula 2 championship, has been chosen to partner Nico Hulkenberg in the team that will take the name of Audi from 2026, an announcement that marks a crucial moment for the ambitious project of the German brand. Audi is counting on Bortoleto to bring new energy and talent to the team, in a mix of experience and youth that represents its vision for the future of Formula 1.
Initially earmarked for a reserve role at McLaren, Bortoleto has attracted the interest of Audi, which saw in him a promising profile for its Formula 1 project. Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, confirmed over the weekend in Brazil the decision to leave Bortoleto free to allow him to find a race seat. “We will not block Gabriel’s growth,” Stella said, highlighting the Brazilian’s successes in the lower categories.
Bortoleto finds space in F1 which continues to welcome talents
Gabriel Bortoleto is currently leading the Formula 2 championship, a position he has achieved thanks to a mix of speed and maturity on the track. At just twenty years old, the Brazilian driver has proven to be consistent and capable of handling pressure, approaching the title with determination. His performances have not gone unnoticed and Audi has decided to bet on him, recognizing the value of a young driver capable of making the difference.
For Brazil, Bortoleto's arrival in Formula 1 is a long-awaited event. The XNUMX-year-old from Sao Paulo not only brings the South American nation back to the starting grid, but rekindles a tradition of passion and talent that has given birth to champions such as Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet. Bortoleto represents a symbol of rebirth for Brazilian fans, who will be able to cheer on a compatriot again after years of absence.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not all of motorsport,” said Bortoleto. “To be part of a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honor. Beyond just being a member, my goal is to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity the team has given me and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico. Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent and I am confident that together we will write our own success story.”
Audi and the choice to focus on a young person
Audi is building its team ahead of its official debut in 2026, banking on a mix of experience and emerging talent. With Nico Hulkenberg bringing experience and Bortoleto representing the new generation, the team is preparing for a season of growth and ambition. The goal is clear: to build a competitive team that can play a leading role starting next year, without losing sight of the big ambitions for its official debut as a constructor.
A goal that is also reflected in the team's words: “Audi and Sauber Motorsport AG have secured one of the most promising talents for the future of Formula One: Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (20) will complete the team's strong and well-matched driver pairing alongside Nico Hülkenberg (37).”
“The team, which already confirmed German driver Nico Hülkenberg as part of the squad for next season in April, will now be able to boast a balanced mix of experience and youth as it prepares for the transition to the factory Audi F1 team in 2026.”
Mattia Binotto said: “Gabriel has already shown in the youth categories that he has what it takes to become a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a member of the Sauber and Audi team. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey to success and will evolve into a united force to shape 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.”
Bottas and Zhou say goodbye
While Bortoleto marks a new beginning, his arrival leaves the future of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou in the balance. After difficult seasons, the Finnish driver now faces complex choices, with the option of a return to Mercedes as a third driver that could represent a transitional solution. Bottas, a veteran of the grid, has expressed his desire to continue as a regular, but Audi's offer to the young Bortoleto seems to have closed that door. A return to Mercedes, therefore, could be the most likely solution, maintaining a link with Formula 1 while waiting for new opportunities. For Zhou, the situation is more complicated, having recently arrived in Formula 1 and not having shown much during his stay, it will be difficult for him to find space again.
Before announcing Bortoleto's arrival, the team wanted to greet the two drivers like this:
“After open and constructive discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, we have mutually concluded that the conditions for us to continue working together could not be met and we have therefore decided that the time has come to part ways. We would like to thank both of them for their contribution to the team over the past three years. They have been the embodiment of professionalism, providing their experience and enthusiasm to support our growth.”
