Formula 1 | Verstappen: If I were Sauber, I would have already signed Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto, McLaren’s Brazilian junior driver, is one of Sauber’s top options for 2025.

According to certain rumors circulating in the Interlagos paddock, Bortoleto and McLaren have even already reached an agreement with Sauber / Audi F1, even if it has not yet been definitively signed.

Will F2’s leading driver join F1 next year? It would be deserved according to Max Verstappen.

“Yes, and I mean, if I was Sauber, I would have signed him already. It’s the future anyway, young drivers. And in 2026, a big change of rules. That’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. You always feel much more prepared and comfortable and he would be well ready when. will start 2026.”

Oscar Piastri knows Bortoleto well, who is often present in the McLaren F1 garage. The Australian admits to being impressed.

“He’s done a very impressive job. Obviously he won F3 as a rookie last year and now leads the championship in F2. So yeah, I think from my point of view, when you get that kind of results, you deserve to be in F1.”

“And I have personal experience of the pain of not getting a seat straight after F2. So for his sake, I hope he doesn’t have to go through that. I don’t think anyone will never go through a period as difficult as mine but I think he has done a very good job, on his merits, he has his place in F1.