Sauber-Audi has confirmed the finalizing of F2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 F1 period, as it poaches the Brazilian from McLaren.
Audi and Sauber Motorsport AG have actually protected among one of the most appealing abilities for the future of Formula One: Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (20) will certainly finish the group’s solid and well-matched pairing together with Nico Hulkenberg (37 ).
Hailing from Sao Paulo, Bortoleto started his auto racing profession at the age of 6 in karting and, by twelve, he had actually relocated to Europe with his household to seek his Formula One desire. He made a solid impact upon finishing to FIA Formula 3 in 2023 by controling his launching period and winning the Championship, prior to relocating to the FIA Formula 2 Championship, where he is leading the standings with simply 2 rounds to go.
Joining the future Audi functions group currently offers Bortoleto the chance to reveal his ability at the highest degree of motorsport. The group, which currently confirmed German chauffeur Nico Hulkenberg as component of the group for the upcoming period back in April, will certainly currently flaunt a well balanced mix of experience and young people, as it gets ready for the change to the Audi F1 manufacturing facility group in 2026.
Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG: “Led by Mattia, Audi’s Formula 1 project is making great progress in many areas. The signing of the second driver is another milestone. We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula One.”
Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG: “Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.”
Gabriel Bortoleto: “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports. Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour. Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico. Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will write our own success story.”
McLaren: “Gabriel Bortoleto will certainly be launched from the McLaren Driver Development program at the end of the 2024 period to go after a brand-new chance in his profession. It has actually been an enjoyment to collaborate with Gabriel over the in 2015 and to have actually been able to add to his success and development as a vehicle driver via the McLaren Driver Development program.
“We have a strong driver line-up in Lando and Oscar, and therefore we have always been clear that we would not stand in the way of an opportunity for Gabriel to progress whilst we are not in the position to offer him a seat with McLaren. We look forward to continuing to support Gabriel in his campaign for the 2024 FIA Formula 2 title and wish him all the best for his career beyond F2.”
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[Note: The story is as per press release]
