The Sauber Stake F1 Team, on the verge of its fusion with Audi, has just announced its second driver for the 2025 season: Gabriel Bortoleto, the current leader of the F2 championship.
The 20-year-old Brazilian will make his Formula 1 debut alongside Nico Hülkenberg, seizing this coveted opportunity in a team that’s about to undergo a major transformation. But a colossal challenge awaits him if he wants to follow in the footsteps of Brazil’s F1 giants.
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Who is Gabriel Bortoleto?
Bortoleto’s journey in junior categories has been marked by a quick ascent and undeniable talent. Crowned FIA F3 champion in his rookie season, he continued to impress in F2, where his consistency and point-scoring ability were standout qualities. With two victories and several podium finishes, Bortoleto quickly caught the eye of Sauber’s talent scouts, despite his initial development contract with McLaren. In a show of sportsmanship, McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, supported the decision to release Bortoleto, allowing him to seize this unique chance in F1. Now, he will need to prove that he can shine in Formula 1, following in the footsteps of Brazil’s legendary figures like Ayrton Senna, but if we look at Sauber’s 2024 season, it’s an impossible mission
Gabriel Bortoleto becomes the first full-time Brazilian F1 driver on the grid since Felipe Massa in 2017 🇧🇷#F1 pic.twitter.com/nhSaCx7U4i
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 6, 2024
A new dynamic with Hülkenberg as teammate
Bortoleto’s arrival aligns with the recent departure of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanxu, highlighting Sauber’s intent to rejuvenate the team. Partnering with Nico Hülkenberg, the duo brings an ideal blend of youth and experience. Hülkenberg, an F1 veteran, brings a wealth of race knowledge, while Bortoleto represents the new generation of drivers. Mattia Binotto, head of operations at Sauber Motorsport, sees this partnership as instrumental in positioning the team among the top contenders in the paddock in the coming years. “Gabriel has shown he has everything it takes to be a winning driver,” Binotto stated. “His addition is a strategic asset as we step into a new era under the Audi banner.” This long-term vision, supported by young talents like Bortoleto, could be precisely what helps Audi reshape its image and influence within Formula 1.
BREAKING: Gabriel Bortoleto signs multi-year deal with Kick Sauber
The @formula2 championship leader will graduate to F1 in 2025!#F1 pic.twitter.com/KvNILcGEVy
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 6, 2024
Audi’s strategy: investing in youth for long-term success
Bortoleto’s signing fits perfectly with Audi’s strategy of integrating young talent into its future F1 team, reinforcing its commitment to an ambitious sporting project. Gernot Doeliner, chairman of Sauber Motorsport, called this signing a “milestone” for the team, one aimed at refreshing its image and ensuring competitiveness for the long haul. By bringing Bortoleto on board, Audi is making a clear statement about its intent to compete with F1’s elite, building on promising talent to achieve it.
F1 cockpit can reach up to 120°F but that’s practically ice-cold compared to the rest of the car
This article explores Gabriel Bortoleto’s rise and his integration into Sauber/Audi, a strategic move for the team’s F1 future. The partnership with Hülkenberg, Audi’s commitment, and the young driver’s debut offer a glimpse into what could be the start of a new era for the Swiss team in Formula 1.
