McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed that its development driver Gabriel Bortoleto is free to sign with a rival Formula 1 team to secure a place on the 2025 grid.
Bortoleto (left in photo) is in contention to become the latest in a long line of Brazilians to race in F1, presumably at Stake F1. He will have Franco Colapinto on his way, who has already proven in F1 this season that he deserves a seat.
Naturally, his future was discussed during Friday's press conference at Interlagos, a circuit that proudly celebrates McLaren legend Ayrton Senna.
After impressing as a rookie in Formula 3 last year, winning the title, Bortoleto now leads the Formula 2 championship in 2024 and has attracted the interest of Sauber.
“Having the opportunity to talk about Gabriel, I would like to take this opportunity to say once again how good a job he did in the junior categories,” said Stella.
“Winning F3, leading F2 in its first season, it makes me think that it is very, very normal and natural that Formula 1 teams are interested in Gabriel as a driver.”
“As far as McLaren is concerned, we will not stop Gabriel from driving in Formula 1.”
“Discussions are ongoing and we will see what the scenario will be for the future.”
NB: Some rumors this morning report an agreement reached this weekend between McLaren and Audi for Bortoleto. But no source confirms the information with certainty at this time.
