FIA Formula 2 Championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto is reportedly on the cusp of securing the remaining F1 seat at Sauber for the 2025 season.
According to a report from Motorsport.com , a deal with the 20-year-old Brazilian is nearing completion, with an official announcement expected before this month's Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Sauber, which will transition into the Audi works outfit at the end of next season, has repeatedly stated that it is open to bringing in fresh young talent to work alongside F1 veteran Nico Hulkenberg who will join the Swiss outfit from Haas next year.
While there are unquestionable benefits for Audi-Sauber to retain experienced incumbent Valtteri Bottas, there are also advantages to banking on the future given Audi's long-term outlook.
While formalities remain, and final contract details are expected to be ironed out by the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Bortoleto's presence in the paddock at the Sao Paulo GP this weekend has been fueled in anticipation that the agreement is all but confirmed.
Insiders suggest that the young driver's management – represented by Fernando Alonso's A14 management company – has been negotiating terms directly with Sauber, a strong indication that both sides are committed to seeing the deal through.
“He's an incredible talent and a very humble person as well, which I think that's the biggest thing that we need to work on,” Alonso recently said.
"He's a hard worker, apart from his talent, and I think that's why in Formula 3 and Formula 2 he had this much progress."
Bortoleto's promotion to F1 also holds significance for McLaren. The Brazilian has been part of McLaren's junior program since his Formula 3 championship win last year, but the Woking-based team is reportedly supportive of his next steps.
According to sources, McLaren previously assured Bortoleto that they would release him if a firm F1 race seat became available, while still hoping to retain him within the McLaren family in a reserve or developmental role.
However, with Bortoleto now on track for a full-time race seat, McLaren has respected his ambitions to join the grid, although they might continue to monitor his career from afar.
Bortoleto's arrival at Hinwill would inevitably bring an end to Bottas' tenure with Sauber and to the Finn's hopes of being involved in Audi's F1 venture.
After two seasons with Sauber, Bottas' future in Formula 1 looks uncertain. Although he has expressed a strong preference to stay in a racing role, the 35-year-old acknowledged in a recent interview during the Mexican GP that he's keeping his options open, including a potential return to Mercedes as a reserve driver.
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