P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fernando Alonso has backed his protégé Gabriel Bortoleto to successfully make the jump from Formula 2 to Formula 1.
Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, part of Alonso’s A14 Management, stands out as a rising talent in the single-seater pyramid, having impressed by winning the FIA Formula 3 World Championship in his rookie season and leading the F2 Drivers’ standings. Fernando Alonso praised Bortoleto’s talent, work ethic, and seriousness in handling his racing career, hinting at a potential move to Sauber in 2025. While Bortoleto is a top contender for the Sauber seat, he faces competition from other drivers like Franco Colapinto, who has the support of Williams and McLaren and could also land at Sauber for the upcoming season. Valtteri Bottas’s potential contract extension with Sauber adds complexity to the situation, forcing young drivers like Bortoleto and Colapinto to await the team’s decision. Ultimately, Bortoleto’s future in F1 might depend on Sauber’s choice, as options could be limited if he misses out on the seat.
