Moments after revealing the departures of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber announced that Brazilian racer Gabriel Bortoleto will be taking the second seat for them for the 2025 Formula One season, partnering Nico Hülkenberg.
The 20-year-old moved to Formula 3 last year and won the championship in his debut season before moving to Formula 2 earlier this year, where again he is currently the championship leader.
Bortoleto is now set to join the Audi works team and will partner the veteran Hülkenberg to round off the driver line-up for next year, gaining a season’s worth of experience under his belt before the Swiss outfit become the Audi F1 factory team in 2026.
Bortoleto is also now set to be released by the McLaren Driver Programme at the end of this year.
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Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO, Sauber Motorsport AG, commented:
“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 said:
“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.”
Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, added:
“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 1.“
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