According to Formula 1 media GPBlog, Sauber, which will become Audi's factory team in 2026, is close to finding a teammate for Nico Hulkenberg. And it won't be Kevin Magnussen.
In the world of Formula 1 sports, the rumor is that the young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto is close to a contract with Sauber, which from 2026 will become Audi.
This season, Bortoleto has delivered a number of remarkable performances that have attracted the interest of Sauber.
According to several media – i.a. GPBlog – an agreement between Bortoleto, McLaren and Sauber is currently being negotiated. In fact, you must be very close to being able to close the contract itself.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has stated that the team will not prevent Bortoleto from pursuing a place in Formula 1.
– With regard to McLaren, we will not stop Gabriel's opportunity to drive in Formula 1. The talks are ongoing and we will see what the scenario ends up being.
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Bortoleto's potential arrival at Sauber creates uncertainty over the future of current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.
Bottas has previously expressed a desire to become a test driver at Mercedes, an option he may have to pursue if Sauber does not extend his contract. Zhou has not rejected a reserve service in 2025. But this assumes that he gets his place back in 2026, when the Audi project starts in earnest.
There are many indications that Sauber kept Zhou in the 2024 season because Audi made a calculation error of DKK 8 billion. Read more about it here.
Part Fernando Alonso management company, Bortoleto is currently being advised to take 'time'. At least when it comes to the development of the talent.
– It's always good to get used to a team for a year, make your mistakes here and there and thereby become integrated in the sport. Try to understand the car a little, Alonso said late during the Brazilian grand prix.
Although Alonso believes that Bortoleto should not rush into Formula 1, Sauber's interest could mean that the young Brazilian will get the chance earlier than expected. However, this could also mean that Danish Kevin Magnussen must again park his Formula 1 career.
If Bortoleto gets the seat at Sauber in 2025, all places at all teams in Formula 1 will be full. At least theoretically.
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