Bortoleto Secures Sauber Seat as Audi's F1 Vision Expands

McLaren releases Bortoleto, enabling his pivotal signing with Sauber in Audi’s ambitious Formula 1 project at Hinwil for 2025.

Following the announcement confirming the departures of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, Sauber has confirmed that Gabriel Bortoleto will join its ranks from the 2025 season onwards. The current F2 championship leader has so far been a young McLaren driver, but the latter has released him to enable his move to the Audi F1 project.

While specific contract details were not disclosed, it has been clearly stated that the Brazilian will represent Sauber and the Audi project, suggesting that, like Nico Hülkenberg, he is set for at least two seasons.

“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not all sports,” Bortoleto commented. “Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.”

“Beyond simply being a member, I intend to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity the team has offered me and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico.”

“Both programmes have a proven track record in nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will create our own success story.”

Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, expressed his satisfaction with the recruitment and the emergence of new talent in the premier category: “Under Mattia’s leadership, Audi’s Formula 1 project is making rapid strides in numerous areas. Securing our second driver is another significant step forward.”

“We are witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, with young drivers making an immediate impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these exceptional talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”

Mattia Binotto, Sauber Motorsport’s Operations Director, explained the team’s decision to bring in Bortoleto: “Gabriel has already shown in junior categories that he has what it takes to become a winning driver. We are very pleased he is joining the Sauber and Audi team.”

“With Gabriel, we are on the path to success and will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal blend of experience and youth, positioning us well for the future.”