Gabriel Bortoleto joins Sauber for 2025 to partner Nico Hulkenberg as they attempt to improve upon a disastrous season.
2024 saw Sauber finish last in the Constructors’ Championship as they looked uncompetitive until a breakthrough upgrade at the Qatar Grand Prix near the end of the campaign.
Audi complete a takeover of the team to arrive in time for the new F1 regulations in 2026 but there’s a lot of work to do if Bortoleto and Hulkenberg aren’t to be subjected to life at the back of the field.
Hulkenberg was faster than Bottas for Sauber in the Abu Dhabi post-season test, suggesting that their recruitment may be spot on.
The 37-year-old German is a seasoned veteran and knows how to develop a midfield car. An elusive first podium isn’t likely to come soon but he will be able to help improve the Swiss outfit as he did at Haas.
Bortoleto must demonstrate leadership alongside Hulkenberg with a view to being the team leader one day. His new teammate isn’t going to be around forever and at the age of 19, he is their future.
Felipe Massa calls on Brazil to ’embrace’ Gabriel Bortoleto in F1
It has been eight years since Formula 1 had a full-time Brazilian driver on the grid when Felipe Massa completed his final season with Williams.
The country has a rich history of talent in the sport including three-time champions Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet.
Now they have a new talent to cheer on as the reigning Formula 2 champion strolls into town with a lot of hype surrounding him.
READ MORE: Felipe Massa has now spotted what’s ’similar’ between Gabriel Bortoleto and Max Verstappen
Massa has urged the Brazilian fanbase to get behind Bortoleto, telling Motorsport Brasil that it is ‘very important’.
“They took him and hired him as a driver, not because of a cheque, not for a big sponsorship from a country that takes part in Formula 1.
“Not for his father, but for his talent. So I think for me and I think for all of us Brazilians this is something very important. We have to embrace him, we have to support him.”
Can Gabriel Bortoleto be a champion in Formula 1?
It’s hard to judge whether Bortoleto could be a champion in Formula 1 before he completes a race, but his junior career indicates that he has all the tangibles that he needs for success.
Winning both F2 and F3 shows is something achieved by recent McLaren graduate Oscar Piastri, who is already a race-winner after just two seasons in the sport.
The Audi project has Qatari investment after a deal, which should mean strong levels of funding over the next few seasons.
READ MORE: Why Gabriel Bortoleto was considered ‘phenomenal’ during his karting days ahead of Sauber F1 debut
He also has one of the best teammates he could ask for in Hulkenberg. Someone he can learn from as the third oldest driver on the grid and one of just three over the age of 30.
Scoring points on a few occasions and matching Hulkenberg would be a good result and prove that he can handle the limelight at such a young age – a common trait of a future champion.
