Sauber’s 2026 driver pairing has been announced. This will see Gabriel Bortoleto join Nico Hulkenberg at the Swiss team in 2025.
Former McLaren academy driver, Gabriel Bortoleto has been announced today to have a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2025. With many setting their sights on him after his outstanding rookie season in Formula 2.
Bortoleto’s F2 campaign
With the season is not finished yet, the Bortoleto is aiming to win back-to-back Formula 3 and 2 titles. Alongside this, the Brazilian has proved his talent in single seater machinery throughout the season.
With only two rounds left of the FIA Formula 2 championship, Bortoleto leads by 4.5 points. Being closely followed by Red Bull Academy driver, Isack Hadjar. The McLaren junior has had a stellar rookie season in the championship, claiming 2 race wins and 5 podiums across the season thus far.
However, the moment that caught many Formula 1 teams attention was his spectacular last-to-first victory during the feature race in Monza. Whilst Formula 2 is chaotic at times, Bortoleto demonstrated his brilliance by making his way through the field to claim victory.
However, the Sauber seat was quite popular amongst off-contracted individuals. With Bortoleto beating drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher and Franco Colapinto.
Valtteri Bottas did have the experience the team was looking for. However, with Nico Hulkenberg signed for 2025, Sauber were able to put a rookie into their team. Hulkenberg has the experience to guide and help Bortoleto in the early stages of his career.
Gabriel Bortoleto and Formula 2 will be back in action for the final two rounds of the Formula 1 season. With a race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the championship will be decided.