A New Era For Sauber F1: Gabriel Bortoleto To Complete 2025 Lineup

Sauber has finalized their 2025 driver lineup, officially parting ways with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. The Zurich-based team, which will soon operate under the Audi banner, has chosen to place their faith in up-and-coming talent Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian will partner seasoned driver Nico Hulkenberg to spearhead Sauber's transition into the future.

Why Did Sauber Choose A Rookie?

When talks over the second seat began, Bottas was the frontrunner—the continuation of one seat offered stability for Sauber. However, with Williams' recent signing of Franco Colapinto for the rest of 2024 and his consistent point-scoring performances, the idea of a burgeoning talent was certainly enticing. Sauber has never been shy of giving young drivers a chance. The likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica, and Sergio Perez have all gone on to win races and some even championships.

A Formula 3 championship win last year and now leading the Formula 2 championship with two rounds remaining, Bortoleto, at just 20 years old, has been turning heads in the paddock with his standout performances with Invicta Racing. Sauber has certainly kept an eye on the Brazilian, who has bagged two wins and three podiums. He is currently 4.5 points ahead of his championship rival, Isack Hadjar.

Bortoleto's Rise

Bortoleto's rapid ascent has been supported by two influential players in Formula 1—Fernando Alonso and McLaren. The McLaren development driver joined A14, Alonso's driver management business, in 2022, and since then had his taste of F1 machinery, driving McLaren's 2022 MCL36 car, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

"Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver," said Sauber COO and CTO Mattia Binotto, who joined the team this year to steer Audi's ambitious Formula 1 project.

"We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. 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. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future."

Last In The Constructors' Standings

Perhaps joining a team that's currently at the bottom of the constructors' standings might not be the best opportunity to sell your talent, but a drive in Formula 1 is too ideal to turn down no matter where that car lines up on the grid. Besides, there's ambition at Sauber. The Audi project is an exciting prospect that Bortoleto himself calls one of the "most exciting projects in motorsport." A team with deep roots and a revitalized vision, Sauber's entry into the Audi era represents more than just a new start—it's a chance to push the team up the field.

"Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honor," said Bortoleto. "Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico."

Generational Shift

This generational shift in Formula 1 has not gone unnoticed by Sauber's leadership. Gernot Dollner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, affirmed Audi's confidence in their young recruit.

"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. His signing underscores Audi's long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1," said Dollner.

Gabriel Bortoleto will become the first full-time Brazilian F1 driver on the grid since Felipe Massa in 2017.