P1racenews AI automatic summary:
According to reports, Sauber’s new Chief Operating Officer Mattia Binotto is interested in signing Formula 2 title challenger and McLaren Development Driver Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season. Andreas Seidl, Binotto’s predecessor tasked with transforming Sauber into an F1 squad worthy of the Audi name in 2026, signed Hulkenberg earlier this […]
Andreas Seidl, who took over Sauber with the task of elevating the team to an F1 contender under the Audi name by 2026, recently signed Nico Hulkenberg to a multi-year contract; however, the identity of his future teammate remains uncertain. Current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are yet to secure contracts for the upcoming season, but recent announcements from Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon opting for Williams and Haas respectively have strengthened their chances. According to Formu1a.uno, Binotto has set his sights on Brazilian F2 standout Bortoleto, making waves in junior formulas with Invicta Racing. Bortoleto, a rising star at 19, joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme before impressing in Formula 2, a move that could require negotiations with McLaren CEO Zak Brown. Sauber has a history of recruiting drivers from rival academies, as seen with Zhou, a former Alpine Junior, possibly making the opportunity to join the team particularly appealing for Bortoleto. McLaren, where Bortoleto is connected, has its roster occupied with long-term deals for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, prompting the young Brazilian to express his trust in the team’s plans and management for his future in F1. Bortoleto emphasized his focus on racing and left the decision-making for his career trajectory to his management and the team, highlighting McLaren’s recent on-track progress and his belief in their support for his aspirations.
