Formula 1’s Kick Sauber’s 2025 Brings in Brazilian Star
Kick Sauber, soon to be branded Audi in 2026, has made a defining choice in pursuing a competitive lineup by opting for Gabriel Bortoleto over experienced drivers, including their incumbent Valtteri Bottas. The decision marks a strategic shift toward nurturing young talent, with 20-year-old Brazilian racer Bortoleto joining Nico Hulkenberg in a revitalized lineup. Here’s an in-depth look at why Sauber has chosen youth over experience and what Bortoleto brings to the grid.
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Formula 1’s Bottas and Zhou Depart
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have held the reins for Sauber through challenging seasons, providing consistency and experience during a turbulent time for the team. Bottas, with his extensive experience from Mercedes and Williams, brought technical knowledge that helped stabilize the team. Paired with Zhou, a steady and reliable driver from China, they represented a balanced lineup of veteran insight and youthful resilience.
However, as Audi prepares for their entry in 2026, Sauber recognizes the need for a new approach. Team Principal Mattia Binotto, appointed earlier this year, is steering the team toward a longer-term vision of cultivating raw talent. While Bottas and Zhou contributed significantly, Sauber saw an opportunity to create a new foundation by adding Bortoleto.
Why Sauber Chose Bortoleto: Betting on the Future
The choice of Bortoleto reflects Sauber’s confidence in young, adaptable drivers who can grow alongside Audi’s ambitions. Initially, Sauber considered a variety of options, including rising Argentine star Franco Colapinto, who impressed with Williams in his debut season. However, a critical factor in Sauber’s decision-making process was the need to sign drivers on long-term deals, ruling out any loan or temporary contracts. With Colapinto under a binding contract at Williams, Sauber turned their attention to Bortoleto.
After weighing potential candidates, Bortoleto emerged as the standout. Having recently won the F3 title and leading the F2 championship, he has shown consistent growth and racing intelligence. Bortoleto is a member of Fernando Alonso’s A14 management agency and has tested with McLaren, further developing his racing skill set. His back-to-back wins in F3 and F2 place him among a select group of drivers who have demonstrated the ability to adapt quickly to higher levels of competition. This upward trajectory made him a prime choice for Sauber, looking for drivers ready to tackle the sport’s challenges head-on.
Meet Gabriel Bortoleto: Brazil’s Bright New Star
Born in São Paulo, Gabriel Bortoleto’s journey through the ranks of Formula Racing has been nothing short of impressive. Starting in karting, Bortoleto quickly made a name for himself by displaying remarkable control, adaptability, and a keen sense for strategy. As he transitioned to Formula 3, Bortoleto continued to turn heads, culminating in a championship-winning season that showcased his maturity and tactical awareness.
In F2, Bortoleto’s rise has been equally swift. His capacity to read races, adapt to evolving conditions, and make strategic overtakes has made him a formidable competitor. He currently leads the F2 standings with just two rounds left. This record of consistent excellence was a key reason Sauber took a close look at him, recognizing in him the potential to emulate the path of drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who also won the F3 and F2 championships consecutively.
Bortoleto’s entry into Formula 1 marks a revival of Brazilian sports representation. Since the days of icons like Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa, Brazilian fans have been waiting for talent to root for, and Bortoleto is poised to fill that void. His addition to the Sauber lineup signals the team’s commitment to supporting drivers with the potential for significant development and growth in F1.
Nico Hulkenberg and Bortoleto: A Balance of Experience and Youth
Alongside Bortoleto, Sauber will have seasoned F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg, known for his technical skill and consistency. Hulkenberg, a former Renault and Haas driver, brings years of experience and a technical understanding that will be invaluable to Sauber as they work to improve their car’s performance. His steady hand and knowledge will provide Bortoleto with a mentor as he navigates the complexities of F1, from learning how to handle race-day pressures to honing his car control at high speeds.
The decision to bring in Hulkenberg balances Sauber’s lineup, ensuring they blend veteran insight and youthful ambition. For Bortoleto, having an experienced teammate will be essential, allowing him to learn from Hulkenberg’s expertise while finding his place within the Formula 1 team.
Sauber’s Long-Term Vision for Audi’s Arrival
Sauber’s choice to move forward with a youthful lineup aligns with their preparation for Audi’s 2026 entry. As the team transitions into a factory-supported operation, the presence of young talent like Bortoleto offers the opportunity to mold a driver from the ground up, potentially leading to a more cohesive and resilient team dynamic in the long run. Sauber’s decision to go with a rookie speaks to their confidence in Bortoleto’s potential and their commitment to fostering talent capable of delivering high performance.
The team’s history of nurturing young drivers, from Kimi Räikkönen to Felipe Massa, reflects an organizational culture that values development and growth. With Audi backing Sauber’s future, the decision to invest in Bortoleto could pay dividends in a few years, positioning the team as a significant competitor.
The 2025 Season: Challenges and Excitement Ahead
Formula 1’s Sauber’s approach is not without challenges. Bortoleto will enter a team that has struggled to score points in 2024, and adapting to the demands of an entire F1 season will test his resilience. However, Sauber’s commitment to a multi-year deal suggests that they are in this for the long haul, prepared to support Bortoleto as he grows into his role.
For Brazilian fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts alike, Bortoleto’s debut is an exciting development, potentially marking the start of a new chapter in Brazilian F1 history. If he continues his current trajectory, Bortoleto could become one of the sport’s next big stars, further validating Sauber’s strategic shift.
Sources
- Formula1.com: Why Sauber Chose to Go with Bortoleto and Youth Rather than Bottas and Experience
- Formula1.com: Kick Sauber Confirm Rookie Bortoleto as Second Driver for 2025
- Formula1.com: Bottas and Zhou to Leave Kick Sauber as Team Confirms Decision to Part Ways
- Formula1.com: Binotto Says Sauber Had Talks with Strong Candidate Mick Schumacher
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