The Sauber F1 Team has officially confirmed the signing of Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 season as Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu exit.
Bortoleto, who is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 championship, will partner with previously confirmed experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg as the team prepares for a pivotal transition into a new era under the Audi banner in 2026.
The announcement comes as Sauber F1 Team bids farewell to its current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu both of whom have played crucial roles in the team’s recent history.
Gabriel Bortoleto, born on October 14, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil, is a name that has rapidly gained prominence in motorsport circles. At just 20 years old, he has already made a remarkable impact on the junior racing scene.
Bortoleto’s racing career began in karting before making his single-seater debut in Italian F4 in 2020, and ever since, his trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. He proceeded to the FIA Formula 3 championship in 2023 and clinched the title during his rookie season, a remarkable feat that caught the attention of major F1 teams.
His ascent continued as he moved to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2024 season. His performance has been impressive; he currently leads the championship standings with two race wins and five podium finishes to his name.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in a challenging environment speaks volumes about his potential as a future star in Formula 1. Notably, one of his standout performances came at Monza, where he made an extraordinary comeback after starting from last on the grid to secure victory—a feat that garnered widespread acclaim and demonstrated his racing prowess.
The young driver expressed his excitement on joining the Sauber F1 Team and contributing to their ambitious project under Audi’s ownership.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports,” Gabriel Bortoleto said. “Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.
“Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico.
“Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will write our own success story.”
Bortoleto’s arrival signifies Brazil’s return to full-time representation on the F1 grid since Felipe Massa’s retirement at the end of the 2017 season. The nation has a rich history in the sport, producing legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet.
The decision to sign Bortoleto was described by Sauber F1 Team’s chief operating and technical officer, Mattia Binotto, as straightforward.
“Gabriel Bortoleto has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,” Binotto said. “We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi.
“Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we 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 strongly for the future.”
The management firm representing Bortoleto is linked to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, further underscoring the young driver’s pedigree and promise.
Bottas and Zhou Part Ways with Sauber
The departure of Bottas and Zhou marks a significant shift for the Sauber F1 Team as it prepares for a new era.
Valtteri Bottas has been instrumental in elevating Sauber’s performance since joining in 2022, bringing invaluable experience from his time with Mercedes and Williams.
Zhou Guanyu’s exit is particularly poignant given that he was not only a promising driver but also instrumental in broadening F1’s appeal in China. His journey has inspired many young drivers from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in motorsport.
“After open and constructive discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, we mutually concluded that conditions to continue together could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways,” Sauber said.
“We would like to thank both for the contribution they have made to the team in the last three years. They have been the embodiment of professionalism, using their experience and enthusiasm to support our growth.”
As Gabriel Bortoleto prepares for his debut season in F1, he joins an exciting group of rookies set to make their mark alongside him: Oliver Bearman at Haas, Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, and Jack Doohan at Alpine.
The influx of young talent into Formula 1 reflects a broader trend where teams are increasingly investing in emerging drivers who can contribute immediately while also being groomed for future success.
READ ALSO: Rising through the ranks to the talk of the F1 paddock: Who is Gabriel Bortoleto?
