P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren junior driver Gabriel Bortoleto is a candidate for the vacant Stake F1/Audi seat.
Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto has received permission from McLaren to negotiate with Stake F1/Audi for the available seat next to Nico Hulkenberg. McLaren has set a condition for Bortoleto’s talks with the Hinwil-based team, allowing the option for a potential return to McLaren if needed. Bortoleto, currently second in the F2 championship, is eager for a promotion to F1 next season after winning the Formula 3 title last year. Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s new COO and CTO, confirmed Bortoleto is being observed along with Theo Pourchaire as potential candidates. Bortoleto, aiming for the F2 title, aims to emulate Piastri, Leclerc, and Russell by consecutively winning the F3 and F2 championships. His remarkable Monza victory thrust him into title contention, with 10.5 points behind leader Isack Hadjar and three race weekends left, including this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP. McLaren’s reported approval is just one part of the equation, as Bortoleto and his team have been engaging with Stake F1/Audi since the Belgian GP.
