Method 1 could have a full-time Brazilian driver for the primary time since 2017 after Sauber introduced 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto to finish the longer term Audi group’s line-up for 2025 and 2026.
The Swiss-based group earlier introduced the departure of Finland’s Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, China’s first F1 driver, on the finish of the season in December.
Sauber, who will turn out to be the Audi manufacturing unit group in 2026, already introduced 37-year-old German driver Nico Hulkenberg — at the moment at Haas — in April.
Bortoleto is at the moment main the F2 championship, after successful F3 final 12 months, and is a part of the McLaren driver growth program.
He’s additionally a part of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso’s A14 driver administration firm.
Method 1 constructors’ championship leaders McLaren confirmed individually he could be launched on the finish of the 12 months.
“Becoming a member of a group that mixes the wealthy motorsport historical past of Sauber and Audi is a real honour,” Bortoleto stated, who will probably be his nation’s first common F1 racer since Felipe Massa.
“I am extremely grateful for the chance given to me by the group and for the prospect to work alongside an skilled driver like Nico.”
Sauber, who entered Method 1 in 1993 and completed runners-up below BMW possession in 2007, are final within the constructors’ standings and the one group but to attain this season with three rounds remaining.
They’ve huge plans for the longer term, although, and appointed former Ferrari group boss Mattia Binotto in a managerial overhaul in July.
“Gabriel has already demonstrated within the junior classes that he has what it takes to be a successful driver. We’re very happy that he’ll turn out to be a group member of Sauber and Audi,” stated the Italian.
“Along with Gabriel, we’re on a journey in the direction of success, and we’ll evolve right into a unified drive to form a brand new period for Audi in motorsport.
“Nico and Gabriel characterize the perfect mixture of expertise and youth, positioning us strongly for the longer term.”
Bortoleto is the most recent in a line of thrilling younger expertise coming into Method 1.
Mercedes have signed 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli to exchange seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who’s departing for Ferrari. In the meantime, 19-year-old Briton and Ferrari protege Oliver Bearman takes Hulkenberg’s place at Haas.
Renault-owned Alpine have additionally signed Australian Jack Doohan, 21, the son of bike nice Mick, whereas Williams have Argentine Franco Colapinto, additionally 21, racing for them this season after dropping American Logan Sargeant.
Purple Bull’s RB have additionally introduced in Liam Lawson, 22, as substitute for Australian Daniel Ricciardo with the Kiwi favorite to retain the seat.
“We’re at the moment witnessing a generational shift in Method One, with younger drivers instantly making an impression,” stated Sauber Motorsport chairman Gernot Dollner.
“By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we’ve secured one in every of these high abilities. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term technique and dedication to Method 1.”
Sauber stated they held “open and constructive discussions” with Bottas and Zhou earlier than a mutual resolution to half.
“In spite of everything the great and in-depth discussions we had prior to now weeks, we realised that the circumstances to develop this undertaking collectively weren’t met,” Bottas, a ten instances grand prix winner with Mercedes, stated after the announcement.
“Although it is time to transfer on, I will all the time carry a chunk of this group with me, and I look ahead to seeing what the longer term holds for us each.”
Reuters
