Formula 2 title challenger Gabriel Bortoleto has admitted that it is his “dream” to progress to Formula 1 with McLaren amid reports linking him with a drive with Sauber.
Bortoleto is having a fine season with Invicta Racing in F2, his rookie campaign that sees him second in the standings with 129 points, 36 behind leader Isack Hadjar.
Despite his ties to McLaren, Formu1a.uno reported that Sauber’s new Chief Operating Officer Mattia Binotto has listed Bortoleto as a potential target to partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.
Speaking via video cast to Motorsport.com’s Brazil subsidiary, Bortoleto admitted he was flattered by the connection, but remains focussed on attaining his Formula 1 future 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.”
However, prospects within the McLaren set-up are limited at this time with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri winning races amid multi-year contracts.
Bortoleto understands that McLaren would rather retain his services, but believes the team won’t prevent him from looking elsewhere if opportunities do arise.
“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.”
A member of Fernando Alonso’s management team, Bortoleto previously told select media including Motorsport Week at Spa-Francorchamps that he feels his future is in safe hands.
“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.”
