As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms, only one seat remains officially available: that of the Audi-Sauber team.
Doubt remains, however, as to the reappointment of Valtteri Bottas, current holder, who himself seems unconvinced of remaining in the team.
Present at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Bottas spoke of the complexity of the context in F1, regretting that there was “always a lot of politics in the background in this sport”.
For the Finn, former teammate of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, decisions made in Formula 1 are often influenced by economic and strategic factors, due to the financial weight and interests at stake in this sport.
After several years spent alongside Hamilton, Bottas has accumulated solid experience and a notable track record in F1. However, the takeover of the Sauber team by Audi seems to be steering the Swiss team towards a revival.
Gabriel Bortoleto: the next generation supported by Audi and McLaren
According to Michael Schmidt, correspondent for the German magazine
Car Motor and Sportan agreement has reportedly been reached between Audi-Sauber and McLaren to release Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old driver from McLaren's junior program. This contract could soon be made official, suggesting that Bottas' future would be uncertain.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Bottas could benefit from a final season with Audi-Sauber in 2025, providing Bortoleto with an integration phase before the official launch of the Audi factory car in 2026.
McLaren opens the door to Bortoleto in F1
McLaren boss Andrea Stella himself confirmed to Interlagos that he would not object to Bortoleto making his F1 debut with another team: “As far as McLaren is concerned, we will not stop Gabriel's opportunity to drive in Formula 1.”
This statement suggests that McLaren would welcome the arrival of its driver in another team.
Support from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri
The three-time reigning Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, sees Bortoleto as an asset for the Audi-Sauber team.
“If I was Sauber, I would have already signed him, he declared. And in 2026, there is a big change in regulations. It's always good to get used to a team for a year, to make mistakes here and there, to integrate well, to understand the car a little. We feel much better prepared and more comfortable, and then we start in 2026.”
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri shares this view. He emphasizes the importance of not losing talents like Bortoleto.
“When you get these kinds of results, you deserve to be in F1, he said. I've experienced firsthand the pain of not getting a seat, so for his sake I hope he doesn't have to go through that.”
A crucial decision in sight for Audi-Sauber
The choice of the Audi-Sauber team for the 2025 F1 season seems complex, with the experience of Bottas on one side and the promising potential of Bortoleto on the other. For Audi-Sauber, 2025 could well mark a turning point, offering Bortoleto a smooth entry into the world of F1, or a final season for Bottas before the final transition to the Audi era in 2026.
