Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto is a strong contender to join Sauber next year. The Swiss team is still on the hunt for a teammate for Nico Hülkenberg. Fernando Alonso, Bortoleto’s manager through his talent agency, believes the young Brazilian deserves a seat in the premier class. “He has earned his promotion to Formula 1,” says the 43-year-old racer.
Rumors surfaced this week that Gabriel Bortoleto is free to move to Sauber. The 19-year-old driver is officially part of McLaren’s training team, but the Brits are reportedly willing to break his contract so he can gain experience elsewhere. Sauber, soon to be rebranded under the Audi name, is said to have a keen interest in the young driver.
Fernando Alonso Praises Rising Star Bortoleto
“He is a fantastic talent and a hard worker,” Fernando Alonso said during a press conference on Thursday when asked about Bortoleto. “That’s why I think Formula 3 and Formula 2 have already given him so much. He takes it incredibly seriously, which is absolutely not a given at this age. As a rookie, he is already able to fight for the title,” Alonso referred to Bortoleto’s successful Formula 2 season. He is currently in second place in the championship, behind the French-Algerian Isack Hadjar. During the main race in Monza, the Brazilian drove from last to first place.
Future Prospects for Bortoleto
“We will see what the future brings,” Alonso concluded. “I think it’s only a matter of time before he moves up to Formula 1.” Whether Bortoleto will debut in the premier class next year is still a question. Several drivers are vying for the last Audi seat, including ten-time race winner Valtteri Bottas. You can learn more about Bottas’s career here.
