McLaren acknowledges Colapinto’s edge over Bortoleto for Sauber, pending final agreements between all involved parties.
The final F1 seat, available at Stake F1 – the future Audi team in 2026 – could well be contested between two young drivers.
Mattia Binotto, the new team principal, has the option to wait, with one path leaning towards experience – Valtteri Bottas having agreed with the Italian on the terms of his potential new contract – or another option focused on youth, with a battle between Franco Colapinto, a young Williams F1 driver, and Gabriel Bortoleto, a rising talent in McLaren F1.
“We have the luxury of not being in a rush, as all the other teams have already settled their line-ups,” Binotto remarked in Austin.
Binotto is clearly keeping a close eye on Colapinto, who continues to impress the F1 world, with another regular points finish at the latest Grand Prix. All indications point towards reaching an agreement with the Argentine and Williams F1.
However, McLaren hasn’t said its last word, and Zak Brown is also ready to find a “solution” with Stake F1 for Gabriel Bortoleto, though the F2 driver’s chances have significantly dwindled following Colapinto’s consistent performances.
“Gabriel isn’t in F1 like Franco, but he’s an excellent racing driver,” Brown responded when asked about the likelihood of Binotto selecting him to partner Nico Hülkenberg.
“For now, our priority is to help him win the Formula 2 championship, as I’ve mentioned,” said Brown.
Brown had also stated that it was “unlikely at the moment” for Bortoleto to be called up to F1.
“I’m realistic. The rising star in recent races has been Franco, and James (Vowles) is also open to loaning him out, as he already has two drivers signed on long-term. But you never know, it takes two to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties.”
Andrea Stella, meanwhile, expressed his openness to finding a solution but admitted he would like to retain some control over Bortoleto’s future.
“If Mattia Binotto approaches me, when you have such a talent, you certainly won’t stand in the way of their chance in Formula 1. Zak has been clear, and I’m fully aligned with that.”
“At the same time, we would definitely be interested in exploring a way to keep him within the McLaren family, as I believe he’s a talent that could be significant for McLaren in the future.”
“We’re secure in the long term with our two drivers and couldn’t be happier, but we would certainly like to keep him in the McLaren fold. I’m confident we could find a solution if Sauber wants him in their car for 2025.”
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Colapinto Leads Sauber Talks, Bortoleto’s F1 Hopes Fade Colapinto Leads Sauber Talks, Bortoleto’s F1 Hopes Fade
