Audi has finally made its decision to complete its driver duo in 2025, first under the colors of the Stake F1 team, which the following year will become the official incarnation of its factory program in Formula 1. The lines moved this Wednesday morning when the structure still managed by Sauber announced the non-extension of the contracts of its two current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, in place since 2022.
In the wake of this information, Audi formalized the recruitment of Gabriel Bortoleto, confirming recent information from Motorsport.com and the trend that we have been anticipating for several weeks already. Leader of the F2 championship, where he is notably in the fight for the title against Isack Hadjar, the Brazilian driver saw his name emerge in the race at the wheel last August.
Under the leadership of Mattia Binotto, appointed during the summer in place of Andreas Seidl to lead the Audi F1 project, the team which still flies the Swiss flag today took the time to evaluate its possibilities. After having recruited Nico Hülkenberg for several years, a choice had to be made between lining up a second experienced driver alongside him or training a young up-and-coming driver. It is therefore the second option that was favored.
“Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to become a winner”justifies Mattia Binotto, Sauber operations director. “We are very pleased that he will become a member of the Sauber and Audi team. Together with Gabriel, we are set on the path to success and will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us solidly for the future.”
This also implies that Audi had to reach an agreement with McLaren, since the Woking team had a contract with Gabriel Bortoleto, a member of its young driver program. The English structure had, however, already hinted, as early as September, that it would not stand in the way of its young protégé if an opportunity to start in F1 presented itself.
Audi has not specified the duration of the contract for its new recruit, who will therefore have a 17-year gap with his new teammate! Born in São Paulo in 2004, Gabriel Bortoleto started karting at the age of 6 before moving with his family to Europe at the age of 12. He won the F3 title last year before moving to F2 in 2024.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, indeed in all sports”he assures. “Joining a team that combines the rich history of Sauber and Audi in motorsport is a true honor. Beyond just being part of it, I intend to grow with this ambitious project and to reach the pinnacle of the discipline.”
“I am incredibly grateful to the team for the opportunity they are giving me and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico. Both programs have a proven track record of developing young talent, and I am convinced that together we will write our own success story.”
VIDEO – The summary of the São Paulo GP
