Sauber has announced that Gabriel Bortoleto will progress to Formula 1 with the team in 2025 to complete a revised line-up along with the incoming Nico Hulkenberg.
Either Bottas or Zhou was guaranteed to leave amid the news in April that Hulkenberg will go to Sauber on a multi-term deal as it prepares to morph into Audi in 2026.
But although Zhou appeared destined to lose his drive, Bottas was in talks to extend his contract and he even divulged that terms on a potential deal had been agreed.
However, new Sauber Motorsport boss Mattia Binotto has elected to overlook his experience, as the team will instead welcome a new name onto the grid in Bortoleto.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports,” Bortoleto, who has been released from his McLaren deal, said.
“Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.
“Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico.
“Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will write our own success story.”
Sauber has signed the ‘ideal combination’
Bortoleto, who clinched the Formula 3 title last term, heads the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship in his debut campaign with two rounds to go in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
He will become the first Brazilian on the F1 roster since Felipe Massa in 2017, though Pietro Fittipaldi did complete a stand-in appearance with Haas at Sakhir in 2020.
“Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,” Binotto expressed.
“We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi.
“Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport.
“Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.”
Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, added: “Led by Mattia, Audi’s Formula 1 project is making great progress in many areas.
“The signing of the second driver is another milestone. We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact.
“By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula One.”
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