Sauber signs Bortoleto for 2025 F1 season ahead of Audi transition
Rising star Bortoleto joins Sauber for 2025 F1 season, partnering Hulkenberg as team prepares for Audi era. McLaren releases Brazilian talent.
Brazilian F2 ace Gabriel Bortoleto has secured his Formula 1 breakthrough, with Sauber announcing the McLaren junior will partner Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season as the team prepares for its transformation into Audi's works squad.
McLaren releases promising talent
The deal marks a significant shift for the 20-year-old Brazilian, who required McLaren's blessing to pursue the opportunity.
Team Principal Andrea Stella demonstrated pragmatic leadership in not blocking his protege's path to a full-time race seat, paving the way for Sauber to secure one of motorsport's most promising talents.
Fresh start as veterans depart
The announcement follows Wednesday's confirmation that current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will exit the team, marking a clear changing of the guard at the Hinwil-based outfit.
Bortoleto's arrival alongside the experienced Hulkenberg creates an intriguing blend of youth and experience as Sauber prepares for its Audi era.
"This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports,"
Bortoleto declared.
"Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour."
Proven track record
Bortoleto's meteoric rise through the junior ranks has turned heads, claiming the FIA F3 championship as a rookie in 2023.
His current Formula 2 campaign with Invicta Racing showcases his championship-leading consistency, despite having secured only two victories.
Sauber's Chief Operating Officer and CTO, Mattia Binotto, expressed confidence in their new signing:
"Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver."
" Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport."
Strategic vision
The signing aligns with Audi's long-term Formula 1 strategy, as emphasized by Sauber Motorsport board Chairman Gernot Doellner:
"We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents."
The move comes at a crucial juncture for Sauber, currently enduring their first point-less Formula 1 season since 2014.
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