In a significant move for the future of Formula 1, Sauber has officially signed 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto, marking the return of a full-time Brazilian driver to the grid for the first time since Felipe Massa left the sport in 2017. The announcement, made on November 6, positions Bortoleto alongside veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as the Swiss-based team transitions to become the Audi factory team.
Bortoleto's signing follows the news of the departures of Finland's Valtteri Bottas and China's Zhou Guanyu, a landmark figure as the first Chinese driver in F1. With three races left in the current season, Sauber remains at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, having yet to score any points this year.
Reflecting on his new opportunity, Bortoleto expressed his enthusiasm: "Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico."
Bortoleto is currently excelling in the Formula 2 championship after a successful year in Formula 3, where he clinched the championship title. His associations with prestigious teams, including being part of the McLaren driver development program and managed by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso's A14 management company, illustrate his impressive pedigree. McLaren confirmed that Bortoleto will be released from their ranks at the end of the year, paving the way for his move to Sauber.
"Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi," said Mattia Binotto, the team's recently appointed managing director, emphasizing the strategic vision behind this signing. "Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport."
With Sauber’s storied history in Formula 1, which dates back to 1993 and includes a second-place finish under BMW ownership in 2007, the team is focused on revamping its roster and improving its performance on the track. The signing of Bortoleto is part of a broader strategy that includes a managerial reshuffle earlier this year when Binotto joined the team.
As part of this generational shift in F1, several young talents have been signed by various teams this season. Mercedes has picked up 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to fill the seat left by the legendary Lewis Hamilton, who is making a move to Ferrari. Additionally, Ferrari protégé Oliver Bearman, age 19, will take Hulkenberg's seat at Haas. Other noteworthy signings include 21-year-old Jack Doohan at Alpine and 22-year-old Liam Lawson at Red Bull, who has stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo.
"We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact," noted Gernot Dollner, Chairman of Sauber Motorsport. "By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores our intentions for a competitive future and underlines our commitment to fostering new talent in the sport."
As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, Bortoleto's entry into Formula 1 not only adds excitement to the grid but also serves as a beacon of hope for Brazilian motorsport fans eager to see their representation at the highest levels of racing once again. The combination of youth and experience in the Sauber lineup seeks to not just compete but emerge as a formidable force in the seasons ahead. The journey is marked with challenges, but with clear aspirations, Sauber and Bortoleto are set to make waves in Formula 1.