Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber-Audi for 2025 Season
Sauber has officially confirmed that Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto will join its team for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Bortoleto, currently leading the FIA Formula 2 Championship, expressed his excitement about joining a team with a rich history and engineering prowess, stating, "Debuting in F1 with a team that combines the sporting history and engineering expertise of Sauber and Audi is a true honor." This move comes as Sauber transitions to Audi, with Bortoleto set to partner with seasoned driver Nico Hulkenberg.
The announcement marks a significant shift for Sauber, which thanked departing drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, indicating that their contracts would not be renewed. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, emphasized the generational change in Formula 1, noting that young talents like Bortoleto are crucial for the future of the sport. COO Mattia Binotto echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bortoleto's potential to become a winning driver.
The Competitive Landscape for F1 Seats
Amid Bortoleto's signing, fellow driver Franco Colapinto is in a precarious position as he vies for a seat in Formula 1. Colapinto, who debuted in September, has garnered attention for his impressive performances, leading to discussions about a possible loan to continue his career in F1. He was among the candidates for the Sauber seat but now faces increased competition following Bortoleto's announcement.
Colapinto expressed his determination to secure a place in F1, stating, "I deserve a seat in Formula 1, no driver has as much passion as me." His future remains uncertain, with speculation about potential interest from Red Bull Racing, particularly amid rumors of Checo Pérez's departure. As the landscape for F1 seats tightens, Colapinto's situation exemplifies the challenges new drivers face in securing their positions in the highly competitive sport.
