Bortoleto eyes F1 dream with McLaren, but Audi watching

Young McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto is delivering the goods in the FIA F2 Championship which has solidified his reputation as a future talent, but also sparked rumors about a potential interest from Audi.

The 18-year-old Brazilian currently sits second in the F2 title battle with Invicta Racing, right behind the series’ leader, Red Bull protégé Isack Hadjar.

Bortoleto’s racing pedigree speaks for itself. In 2023, he dominated Formula 3 in his rookie year, an achievement that earned him a spot on McLaren’s driver development programme.

But fast forward to the present, and Bortoleto is exceeding expectations in F2. Despite facing more seasoned competitors, he continues to impress, showcasing his adaptability and raw skill.

This has naturally led to speculation about his next step. While officially affiliated with McLaren, Bortoleto has found himself linked to a potential move to Audi-Sauber in recent reports in which it has been stated that chief operating officer Mattia Binotto is taking a keen interest in the Brazilian.

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The prospect of partnering with experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg in 2025 is certainly enticing. However, the Brazilian driver remains focused on his ultimate ambition: to race in F1 with McLaren.

“That’s nice, to be mentioned by an F1 person because that’s where you want to end up,” he said. “But let’s see what the future holds.

“I’m doing my job as best I can in F2, not in difficulty, but so that I’m ready to move up to F1. I’d say that’s my situation at the moment.

“I have a contract with McLaren, I’m their junior driver, I have a long-term contract. But I also know that McLaren wants me to succeed and wants to see me in F1.

“They know that they have two very good drivers and they are preparing me to enter F1. And, one day, to be their driver, because that’s my dream.”

Both McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are under long-term contracts with team papaya and have proven themselves as race winners, making it difficult for Bortoleto to break into the main team in the near future.

“The decision is made by me, as a driver, and I decide where I want to go,” he said. “I have power over my career.

“McLaren wants to see me succeed, they don’t want to trap me in any situation that doesn’t allow me to thrive in the sport, but obviously they want to keep me under the McLaren umbrella.”

Since 2022, Bartoleto has been managed by A14, Fernando Alonso’s driver management company. The young charger is therefore confident of navigating the future with the help of the two-time F1 world champion.

“I have full trust in McLaren and in my management, A14, from Fernando Alonso, Alberto and Albert,” he said.

“So I have just full trust that we are going to take the best decision for my future.”

Whether Bortoleto ultimately reaches his dream in a McLaren cockpit or elsewhere, one thing is clear: his talent and ambition are undeniable, and the F1 world eagerly awaits to see where his path leads.

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