Bortoleto emerges as frontrunner for second Audi F1 seat

Brazilian Formula 2 charger Gabriel Bortoleto has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate for the second seat at Audi-Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg for 2025.

The McLaren junior’s impressive performances in his maiden season in F2 have made him an attractive option for the Swiss-based F1 team which is considering pairing Hulkenberg with a promising young talent as it looks towards its long-term future with Audi.

Bortoleto drew praise last year for his run to the title in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and the 19-year-old’s skills have been singled out once again following his two wins in F2, including his incredible triumph in the series’ feature race at Monza last time out, when he started last and won!

The Invicta Racing driver currently sits second overall in F2’s standings, just 10.5 points behind championship leader and Red Bull junior, Isack Hadjar.

Bortoleto’s prospects at Audi-Sauber have gained traction at a time when Valtteri Bottas was initially seen as the frontrunner to retain his seat with the team.

• Read also: Bottas says Audi success in F1 'just a matter of time'

However, Mattia Binotto, the Hinwil squad’s new CTO and COO, acknowledged at Monza that he would be open to blending experience with youth as part of Audi-Sauber’s path forward.

“It's definitely something that we need to judge: are we going for experience or something else?” said the Italian.

“This is a project which is looking to a long-term objective, so what's the best for us from now to the final goal? Is it more having short-term experience and then moving to something different?

“We need to decide and today I think we are not in the position to answer. We are certainly listening to all potential drivers. We are certainly evaluating what the pros and the cons are for the best compromise.”

Bortoleto’s potential move to Audi-Sauber would require McLaren's approbation, as the 19-year-old is currently part of their young driver programme.

The Woking-based outfit has so far played a key role in the Brazilian’s development. Bortoleto recently enjoyed his first Formula 1 test at the Red Bull Ring in a 2022 McLaren car.

While there are rumors that McLaren is open to allowing Bortoleto pursue an F1 seat with another team, no formal agreements have been reached, and discussions are said to be in the early stages.

According to Motorsport.com, McLaren would not block Bortoleto’s potential F1 opportunity, but suggestions of a loan deal or release from his contract are understood to be premature.

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