Gabriel Bortoleto’s Formula 1 dreams are set to come true in 2025, as the Brazilian driver confirmed he will race for Sauber, partnering veteran Nico Hulkenberg. Sauber, which will transition to Audi ownership in 2026, announced Bortoleto’s move following his remarkable rookie season in Formula 2, where he currently leads the championship.
“It feels amazing,” Bortoleto shared with the F1 channel. “Since I was very young, I started racing with a dream to reach F1 one day, and now, being able to sign this contract and to be on the grid in ’25, I’m very grateful.”
Bortoleto revealed that talks with Sauber had been ongoing for several months, with the team initially considering whether to bring him on for 2025 or wait until 2026. The 19-year-old pushed for an earlier debut to avoid a year off-track, drawing lessons from Oscar Piastri’s experience of missing out on an F1 seat in 2022 after winning the F2 title.
“I didn’t want to stay one year without driving,” Bortoleto admitted. “Now, being able to continue the momentum of driving – F3, F2, and now going to F1 next year – I think it’s the best way to do it.”
Piastri, who felt the frustration of a sidelined season, praised Bortoleto’s achievements. “Winning F3 as a rookie last year and now leading the F2 championship, he deserves to be in F1,” Piastri stated, adding that “from my point of view, when you’re achieving those kinds of results, you deserve to be in F1.”
Bortoleto’s Sauber debut promises to give the rising star valuable track experience before Audi’s takeover, setting him up to be a key player for the team as it embarks on a new chapter in 2026.
