Gabriel Bortoleto, one of the most exciting talents in junior racing, will join Sauber in 2025 as he makes his Formula 1 debut alongside veteran Nico Hulkenberg. The move comes after a stellar season in F2, where Bortoleto has consistently impressed, currently leading the championship with two rounds to go. For fans of the Brazilian driver, this F1 promotion is a well-earned milestone in a career that’s been marked by early success and a dedication to mastering each tier of motorsport.
Currently part of McLaren’s Young Driver program, Sauber had to pay a premium to secure Bortoleto’s services. But his potential to transform Sauber’s fortunes—particularly as the team builds momentum ahead of its rebranding as Audi in 2026—makes him a worthy investment. Since his 2020 debut in Italian F4 with Prema, where he took a win and placed fifth overall, Bortoleto has attracted attention, including from two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, who brought him under his A14 Management wing and placed him in his Formula Regional European Championship team.
The young Brazilian’s success continued in F3, where he claimed the driver’s title in his rookie year with Trident, racking up two wins and six podiums despite facing the challenges of a crowded 30-car field. His resilience and skill carried through to F2 in 2024, where he’s taken two wins and multiple podiums with Invicta Racing, consistently outperforming rivals and proving his readiness for F1.
Bortoleto’s move to Sauber, however, comes with its challenges. While the team hopes he can help reverse a disappointing 2024 season, ending in a likely point-less finish, the rookie will face high expectations to make an immediate impact. As Brazil’s first F1 driver since Felipe Massa, Bortoleto will feel pressure not only to succeed but to uphold Brazil’s legacy, following in the footsteps of greats like Ayrton Senna and Rubens Barrichello.
Additionally, Bortoleto’s position will require significant technical acumen as Sauber’s engineers and leadership look to him for guidance on the car’s setup. Alonso’s mentorship will likely play a vital role here, helping the young driver adjust to the demands of F1. Sauber’s underperforming car, as seen with capable driver Zhou Guanyu, has the potential to erode confidence—a risk Bortoleto will need to overcome.
In 2025, Bortoleto will also be racing against rookies Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan, each with their own hype, adding another layer of pressure to perform. However, his impressive junior track record, combined with his calm under pressure, signals a promising rookie season ahead. Should Bortoleto win the F2 title, he’ll join an elite group alongside Oscar Piastri, who achieved back-to-back F3 and F2 titles—a feat that would only increase the spotlight on him as he enters F1.
With a fresh start at Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto is set to bring Brazilian pride back to Formula 1. While his rookie season may come with its share of challenges, his past achievements and support from influential figures suggest that he’s ready for the journey ahead.
