Has Sauber Chosen Its Drivers? Reports Suggest Contract with Bortoleto is Already Finalized

Have Sauber and Audi already made their driver selection for 2025? Rumors are swirling in the São Paulo paddock suggesting that Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto is set to team up with Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber in 2025. Currently, Sauber remains one of the few Formula 1 teams with an available seat for the upcoming season.

Candidates for 2025 Season

Since Sauber’s announcement in April regarding Nico Hülkenberg’s move to the Swiss team next year, speculation has been rife about who will fill the second seat alongside him. Among the potential candidates were the current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Other names in contention included Mick Schumacher, Théo Pourchaire, Felipe Drugovich, and more recently, Franco Colapinto. However, it seems that Sauber has made its decision, with reports indicating that McLaren reserve driver Gabriel Bortoleto has emerged as the frontrunner.

Contract Status and Announcement Timing

According to Auto, Motor und Sport, the contract for Bortoleto is reportedly already finalized, and an official announcement is imminent. The team apparently chose to avoid announcing the deal during the Brazilian Grand Prix to prevent undue media scrutiny and to protect Bortoleto from being overwhelmed by attention.

If confirmed, Bortoleto would follow in the footsteps of legendary Brazilian drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna, and Rubens Barrichello. His current team, McLaren, seems supportive of his move to another team to make his debut in Formula 1. McLaren’s team principal confirmed this sentiment during a press conference last Friday.

A Closer Look at Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto hails from São Paulo, much like the iconic Ayrton Senna, and he is currently leading the Formula 2 championship. He even achieved the pinnacle of success by standing atop the podium in a recent F2 race in Barcelona. Jeroen Bleekemolen, our columnist and a regular host of the podcast Formula 1 Paddock Talk, closely follows the Formula 2 series and considers Bortoleto to be the most promising talent currently competing in the junior categories.

As he prepares for what could be a groundbreaking entry into Formula 1, Bortoleto’s journey is one to watch, full of potential and ambition. With the backing of a respected team like McLaren, it appears that he is well on his way to making a name for himself in motorsports.

What’s at Stake for Sauber and Bortoleto?

The decision to choose Bortoleto could prove pivotal not just for the driver’s career but also for Sauber’s new chapter alongside Audi. As the team seeks to revitalize its performance and standing in the grid, gaining a fresh, young talent like Bortoleto might set the foundation for future success. His background, performance in junior categories, and support from influential figures in the sport seem to align perfectly for what could be an exciting new era for Sauber in Formula 1.

In conclusion, as discussions and rumors continue regarding driver line-ups for the 2025 season, all eyes will remain on Sauber and the unfolding story of Gabriel Bortoleto. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation!