P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber boss Mattia Binotto has revealed McLaren didn’t request a financial sum in the deal to let Gabriel Bortoleto move to the team to compete in F1 in 2025.
Sauber announced that Bortoleto will debut in F1 next season, partnering with Nico Hulkenberg. McLaren’s contractual ties with Bortoleto posed a potential obstacle, contingent on McLaren’s willingness to release him. McLaren indicated readiness to let Bortoleto go if an F1 opportunity arose during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend. McLaren’s decision was influenced by having Norris and Piastri committed to long-term contracts. Sauber did not pay to acquire Bortoleto as McLaren did not set an asking price for his services. Bortoleto plans to participate in the Abu Dhabi post-season test with Sauber to prepare for next season after testing with McLaren at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
