Gabriel Bortoleto will join Sauber's lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Brazilian rookie, currently leading the F2 feeder series, will partner with seasoned German driver Nico Hulkenberg.
What happened?
Bortoleto's signing comes as Sauber prepares for its rebrand as Audi F1 in 2026, following the German automobile manufacturer's purchase of a majority stake in the business.
The team's current drivers, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas, will leave Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. This change marks a significant shift in the team's lineup, as they look to improve their performance.
Why it matters for Gabriel Bortoleto
Bortoleto's move to Sauber is a major opportunity for the young driver, who will be one of four rookies making their F1 debuts in 2025. He will bring promise and a strong South American following to the team.
The 2024 season has been tough for Sauber, with the team currently last in the Formula One standings with zero points. Changes are desperately needed to keep the team afloat, and Bortoleto's signing is a key part of this process.
What comes next?
Bortoleto will join Hulkenberg, who was previously announced as a driver for the team, and the two are contracted through 2026. They will be part of the team's lineup as it transitions to its new Audi branding.
The arrival of Bortoleto and Hulkenberg means that Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas will not be part of the team's lineup for the 2025 season. Guanyu, the first Chinese driver to compete in F1, spent three seasons in the sport, while Bottas spent twelve years in F1, achieving 67 podiums and 10 race wins.
Bottas announced his departure from Sauber on November 6, 2024, thanking the team and his fans for their support. Zhou Guanyu also expressed his gratitude, stating that he was proud to have represented his country as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver.
The 2025 season is set to be an exciting one, with a number of new drivers and teams competing. Bortoleto's signing is a key part of this, and he will be looking to make a strong impression in his rookie season.
As the team prepares for its Audi rebrand, Bortoleto's arrival is a major boost. He will bring a new level of talent and enthusiasm to the team, and will be looking to help them improve their performance in the coming season.
The future is looking bright for Gabriel Bortoleto and Sauber, as they prepare for the 2025 Formula 1 season. With a new driver lineup and a rebrand on the horizon, the team is poised for a major turnaround.
On November 6, 2024, Sauber announced that Bortoleto would be joining the team, marking a major milestone in the young driver's career. He will be looking to make the most of this opportunity, and to establish himself as a major force in the world of Formula 1.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Gabriel Bortoleto and Sauber. The team's new driver lineup and rebrand are set to bring a new level of excitement and competition to the sport, and Bortoleto will be looking to play a major role in this.
With his signing, Bortoleto becomes one of the most exciting young drivers in Formula 1. He will be looking to make a strong impression in his rookie season, and to help Sauber improve their performance in the coming years.