In a significant move that sets the stage for Sauber’s upcoming transition to Audi in 2026, the team announced on Wednesday that Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto will join the Formula 1 grid in 2025 alongside Nico Hulkenberg. The news marks a fresh chapter for the team as it bids farewell to veteran Valtteri Bottas and rising talent Zhou Guanyu at the end of the 2024 season.
Gabriel Bortoleto: A New Face for Sauber’s Future
Sauber’s decision to sign 20-year-old Formula 2 star Gabriel Bortoleto underscores the team’s commitment to fostering young talent as it readies itself for a new era with Audi. Currently leading the Formula 2 championship with two rounds remaining, Bortoleto has shown impressive skill and consistency, qualities that caught the eye of Sauber and Audi’s leadership.
The Sao Paulo native, who joined McLaren’s driver development program in 2023, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, calling it a “true honour.” “Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is beyond just a career move,” Bortoleto stated. “I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.”
The young driver’s entry signals a generational shift in Formula 1, where young talents are expected to make an immediate impact. In a statement, Sauber highlighted the strategic nature of Bortoleto’s signing, noting that his arrival aligns with Audi’s long-term vision for success in F1. With an influx of emerging drivers reshaping the F1 landscape, Bortoleto joins an elite group that is pushing the sport into a new era.
Farewell to Bottas and Zhou: Closing a Chapter
As Sauber prepares to welcome Bortoleto, the team also announced the departure of current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. The Finnish driver Bottas, a former Mercedes star with ten Grand Prix victories to his name, brought a wealth of experience to Sauber over the last three seasons. His veteran insights, coupled with an unyielding fighting spirit, proved invaluable to the team as it navigated challenges both on and off the track.
“Valtteri has been a driving force for the team,” Sauber stated. “His experience, enthusiasm, and technical insights elevated both his teammate and the team.”
Bottas hinted last week at a potential return to Mercedes as a reserve driver, sparking speculation about his next career move. Such a transition would bring his career full circle, allowing him to continue contributing to Formula 1, albeit in a different capacity.
Zhou Guanyu, who made his F1 debut with Sauber, will also depart at the end of the season. Sauber praised Zhou’s growth over the years, noting that the Shanghai-born driver’s partnership with Bottas combined youthful energy with seasoned experience. Despite a steep learning curve, Zhou quickly adapted, building a reputation as a reliable and aggressive driver. With three races left in the season, Zhou and Sauber are determined to close this chapter on a high note.
“Zhou has proven himself to be an exciting and dependable talent,” Sauber said. “The team is focused on finishing the 2024 season strong with Zhou and Bottas.”
Sauber’s Strategy: Building Towards an Audi Future
Bortoleto’s signing is a critical part of Sauber’s preparation for its full rebranding as Audi’s factory team in 2026. With Audi’s resources and engineering prowess, Sauber’s transition into the Audi era is highly anticipated, with expectations that the team will compete at the front of the pack.
Audi’s long-term strategy is reflected in its emphasis on young, adaptable drivers like Bortoleto, who bring fresh perspectives and ambitious goals to the team. “We are witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1,” Sauber stated, alluding to the broader trend of young drivers shaping the future of F1. The organization sees Bortoleto not only as a rising star but as a foundational player for their future success.
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks an exciting new chapter for the Sauber brand. With Bortoleto and Hulkenberg onboard, the team is positioning itself as a future contender, aiming to harness the energy and talent of a rising generation in the sport.
New Beginnings and High Hopes
As Sauber prepares for its future with Audi, the arrival of Gabriel Bortoleto heralds an exciting phase for the team. With Nico Hulkenberg’s experience and Bortoleto’s raw talent, Sauber’s lineup for 2025 combines the best of youth and experience, ready to drive the team toward a competitive future.
Saying goodbye to Bottas and Zhou closes a significant chapter, but it also sets the stage for new dynamics and fresh ambitions. Sauber’s journey toward 2026 is one to watch, with high hopes that their new lineup will bring success in the Audi era.
