Verstappen Offers Support to Sauber: ‘I Would Have Signed Him Long Ago’

The Sauber team, now known as the Stake F1 Team, has yet to secure a second driver for the upcoming season. With the impending takeover by Audi, the Swiss outfit faces a critical decision: whether to hire an experienced driver or invest in the promising potential of a rookie. In this regard, Formula 1 star Max Verstappen has strong opinions on who Sauber should bring on board.

Navigating the Driver Market

During a recent press event leading up to the São Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen was inquired about the vacant second seat at Sauber. Currently, it remains the last Formula 1 team with an open contract for the new season, .comess Red Bull decides to part ways with Sergio Pérez earlier than expected. The Sauber management stands at a crossroads, weighing the merits of a seasoned driver like ten-time race winner Valtteri Bottas against the allure of a young talent such as Franco Colapinto from Williams.

Verstappen’s Recommendation: Bortoleto

Verstappen has pinpointed Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto as the ideal candidate for Sauber. The Brazilian racer is currently leading the junior championship and has been frequently linked to a potential move to Hinwil in recent months. “If I were in Sauber’s shoes, I would have signed him (Bortoleto) a long time ago,” Verstappen emphasized. “The future lies with young drivers. Additionally, with the new regulations arriving in 2026, it benefits a driver to be acclimated to the team environment in advance. Allow him to make some mistakes; that way, by the time 2026 arrives, the team will be far more prepared than if they are starting fresh at that point.”

Considering Colapinto as an Alternative

In addition to Bortoleto, Sauber may also consider Franco Colapinto from Williams, as team principal James Vowles has indicated openness to loaning out his young talent. The 21-year-old Argentine has also attracted interest from Red Bull, prompting questions about the potential for his integration into their ranks. Verstappen noted, “It’s quite a complex situation. Williams will likely have to think carefully about this. This shows that more teams need to be receptive to investing in young talent.”

Challenges for Young Talent in F1

“It’s ironic that Colapinto, a junior in the Williams setup, is now on the lookout for a seat elsewhere,” Verstappen continued. “They could have easily put him in the car. I firmly believe he deserves a place in Formula 1. However, seats are not readily available at this moment.” The current state of the driver market reflects a broader trend in Formula 1, where teams are increasingly cautious about taking risks on emerging talent amid the pressures of performance and competitiveness.

The landscape of F1 is rapidly evolving, and with changes on the horizon, teams like Sauber are faced with pivotal decisions that could shape their futures. The choices made now could either establish a strong foundation for upcoming seasons or leave the team scrambling to catch up as they vie for success.