Rising Star Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber for Formula 1 2025 Season, Backed by Audi’s Vision

November 6, 2024, 9:15 AM

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Gabriel Bortoleto is set to ascend to Formula 1 with Sauber! The team announced this on Wednesday. The 20-year-old Brazilian currently leads the Formula 2 championship with Invicta and is part of McLaren’s training program. In 2025, he will join Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber. With Audi’s takeover in mind, Sauber deliberately opts for a line-up with an experienced driver and a young talent.

Born in São Paulo in 2004, the young Gabriel Bortoleto began his racing career at the age of six in karting. At twelve, he moved with his family to Europe to pursue his Formula 1 dream. In 2023, he made an immediate impression during his debut in Formula 3; he dominated the championship and secured the title. This year, he made the transition to Formula 2. With just two races left, he leads the championship.

Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber, expressed his delight at the acquisition of Gabriel Bortoleto. “This is an important milestone and fits with the current generational change in Formula 1,” he stated in an official press release. “The young drivers are impressive, and with Bortoleto we have a top talent that underscores Audi’s long-term vision for this sport.” Sauber’s top executive Mattia Binotto added: “Bortoleto has proven himself in the training classes time and again. Together with Nico Hülkenberg, they form the ideal combination of experience and talent.”

A Dream Come True

For Gabriel Bortoleto, the collaboration with Audi and Sauber is a dream come true. “This is one of the most interesting projects in motorsport,” he said. “It’s a great honor to be part of a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning from Nico Hülkenberg.” Until recently, Bortoleto was part of McLaren’s training program. “We wish you all the best in the future,” the team wrote on social media.

Many experts have high expectations of Gabriel Bortoleto. Our columnist and regular guest of the podcast ‘Formula 1 Paddock Talk’, Jeroen Bleekemolen, closely follows Formula 2 and believes that the young Brazilian is by far the greatest talent currently driving in the training classes. In 2025, he will have the opportunity to prove himself at the top of motorsport.