A new face will join the 2025 Formula 1 grid. Gabriel Bortoleto will be driving for Sauber and then Audi, becoming the first Brazilian full time driver since Felipe Massa in 2017. Bortoleto, up until today part of the McLaren Driver Development programme, won the 2023 Formula 3 title in his rookie campaign, and is now leading the Formula 2 championship standings.
A rookie in the series, he was very pleased to comment on the announcement of his signing, expressing his admiration and pride in joining such an illustrious team:
“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 honor. 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.”
The 20-year-old debutant will team up with one of the most experienced Formula 1 veterans, Nico Hulkenberg, for a very versatile and complete driver lineup. COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport Mattia Binotto praised the young talent, highlighting the completeness of the driver duo and the great amount of speed shown by the Brazilian on his way to the top single seaters championship:
“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,” he said.
“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.”
With Bortoleto, there will officially be six drivers born on or after the year 2000: Tsunoda, Piastri, Doohan, Bearman and Antonelli, with fellow youngsters Lawson and Colapinto on the grid right now already without having been confirmed for the upcoming season. It is a very interesting moment in Formula 1, with the drivers’average age significantly dropping.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner commented on the changes undergoing at the moment in Formula 1 and the significance of this new generation of talents approaching their F1 debut:
“We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, 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 1.”
At the same time, Sauber announced the departure from the team of both parts of their actual lineup, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. The duo had joined the Swiss outlet in 2022, scoring 71 points in this time frame with three double points finishes and a top 5.
Former Alpine reserve driver and first ever Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu had made his debut with the team, and he expressed his thankfulness for the past three seasons together:
“I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style. I am grateful to the team for giving me a chance in Formula One: this is not an easy sport for rookies, but the team has allowed me to grow so much over these three years.
“China, earlier this season, was without doubt a highlight, but so many moments, both in public and behind the scenes, are what I am going to remember from the last three years. I’ll now focus on the next step in my career: I still have plenty of fight left in me and I am keen to continue progressing,” he concluded, already thinking about the future challenges which will await him.
Ten times race winner Valtteri Bottas, who had joined the at-time Alfa Romeo in 2022 after a long and successful career with Mercedes, was emotional in announcing his departure from the Swiss team:
“A situation like this is never easy for anyone. But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met. These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
“I’m grateful for the joint experiences as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.”
