Bortoleto Free to Sign with Rival F1 Teams, Says McLaren

McLaren Clears Path for Bortoleto’s F1 Dream with Rivals

02/11/2024

McLaren F1 confirms Gabriel Bortoleto’s freedom to join rival teams for a 2025 Formula 1 seat.

Andrea Stella, McLaren F1 Team Principal, has confirmed that their development driver, Gabriel Bortoleto, is free to sign with a rival Formula 1 team to secure a spot on the 2025 starting grid.

Bortoleto (pictured on the left) is vying to become the latest in a long line of Brazilians to compete in F1, with a likely path to Stake F1. However, he faces competition from Franco Colapinto, who has already demonstrated his worth in F1 this season.

Naturally, Bortoleto’s future was a point of discussion during Friday’s press conference at Interlagos, a circuit that proudly honours McLaren legend Ayrton Senna.

After an impressive rookie season in Formula 3 last year, where he claimed the title, Bortoleto now leads the Formula 2 championship in 2024, drawing interest from Sauber.

“Given the chance to discuss Gabriel, I’d like to take this opportunity once again to highlight the excellent work he’s done in the junior categories,” said Stella.

“Winning F3 and leading F2 in his debut season makes it very clear that it’s entirely normal and natural for F1 teams to be interested in Gabriel as a driver.”

“As far as McLaren is concerned, we will not stand in the way of Gabriel driving in Formula 1.”

“Discussions are ongoing, and we will see what the future holds.”

Bortoleto Free to Sign with Rival F1 Teams, Says McLaren Bortoleto Free to Sign with Rival F1 Teams, Says McLaren

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