Gabriel Bortoleto is reported to have gotten permission from McLaren to enter into discussions with Sauber/Audi over the team’s vacant Formula 1 drive next season.
Sauber holds the single remaining seat on the grid outside the Red Bull stable as it weighs up the available driver options as it prepares to transition into Audi in 2026.
Nico Hulkenberg has signed a long-term deal with Sauber to move over from Haas, but the Hinwil-based squad is deliberating over who to partner next to the German.
Sauber Motorsport Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto revealed at Monza earlier this month that it was considering both experience and youth.
“It’s definitely something that we need to judge: are we going for experience or something else?” Binotto said.
“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.”
The Swiss-Italian divulged that Bortoleto was on his radar as one possible choice alongside Theo Pourchaire should the team elect to go down the rookie driver route.
Rumours linking Bortoleto with a promotion to F1 have increased since he took his second F2 win with a remarkable last-to-first drive in the Italian Grand Prix Feature.
But while Bortoleto’s entourage is touted to have been in talks with Sauber/Audi in recent weeks, the Brazilian’s association with McLaren adds an extra complication.
According to Brazilian outlet Grande Premio, though, McLaren has given Bortoleto the green light to enter talks with Sauber/Audi concerning the team’s open position.
The Woking-based squad’s one condition is that it retains an option on Bortoleto’s services in case either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri depart the team down the line.
Bortoleto receiving the nod at Sauber would see him be named the fourth rookie on the 2025 grid, along with Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
However, Bortoleto earning the gig would come as a sizeable blow to incumbent Valtteri Bottas, who had been considered the leading contender to retain his position.
The Finn, a 10-time F1 race winner, has expressed how Binotto’s appointment has bolstered his chances when it comes to being around to experience Audi’s entrance.
“Options are limited for me,” he admitted. “That’s how it is…[Mattia] really understands what he can get out of me for the team. So that’s a good thing for me.
“And if I can get involved into a project for the years ahead, which is an interesting project, a car manufacturer, then I’m interested as well.
“So I think there’s interest on both ways. And, yeah, we’ve made some progress. But I don’t want to give anything more than that.”
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