The Sauber team, now known as Stake F1 Team, has yet to sign a second driver for the upcoming season. In light of the takeover by Audi, the Swiss racing team must weigh the expertise of an experienced driver against the future prospects of a promising debutant. In the latter category, Max Verstappen knows exactly who Sauber should contract.
During a press conference in the run-up to the GP of São Paulo, Max Verstappen was asked about the second seat at Sauber. The future Audi team is the last team that still has a contract to offer, unless Red Bull chooses to prematurely sack Sergio Pérez. At Sauber, they are faced with the choice between an experienced driver like the ten-time race winner Valtteri Bottas or a young driver like Williams talent Franco Colapinto.
Verstappen, however, believes that Sauber should sign Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian currently leads the junior championship and has been frequently linked with a move to Hinwil in recent months. “Max Verstappen stated. “The young drivers are the future. Moreover, we are getting new regulations in 2026, and it’s always beneficial if a driver is already accustomed to the environment. Let him make some mistakes and integrate into the team; you’ll be much better prepared than if you’re starting for the first time in 2026.”
Franco Colapinto
In addition to Bortoleto, Sauber could also opt for Williams’ talent Franco Colapinto. James Vowles has indicated he is willing to ‘loan’ his young driver to another team in the future. Red Bull has also shown interest in the 21-year-old Argentine. How does Verstappen view a possible addition of Colapinto to the Red Bull family? “It’s a complicated issue,” the Dutchman responded. “Williams will probably also be scratching their heads. To me, it just shows that more teams need to be open to young talent.”
“Now Colapinto, a Williams junior, has to look for another employer,” Verstappen concluded. “And that while they could have just put him in the car. I think he deserves a place in Formula 1 regardless. But the seats are not readily available at the moment.”
