Sauber has revealed the current “generational shift” in Formula 1 has driven the team’s decision to sign rookie Gabriel Bortoleto over retaining Valtteri Bottas for 2025.
The Hinwil-based squad has announced that both Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, who have been team-mates since 2022, will depart once this campaign comes to a close.
Sauber will go into next season, the last term running under that moniker as it evolves into Audi, with a revised driver line-up as Bortoleto will partner Nico Hulkenberg.
READ MORE – Sauber announces Gabriel Bortoleto to complete 2025 F1 line-up
The battle to secure the vacant seat alongside Hulkenberg, who will move over from Haas, was long regarded as a shootout between incumbent Bottas and Bortoleto.
Sauber prioritising a new name over preserving experience maintains a growing trend in F1 which has seen sides more prepared to give chances to upcoming drivers.
Franco Colapinto has been the latest to demonstrate that drivers can hit the ground running as he has thrived at Williams since replacing Logan Sargeant mid-season.
Gernot Dollner, Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, has indicated such developments held an overriding part in the Audi-owned team selecting Bortoleto.
“Led by Mattia [Binotto], Audi’s Formula 1 project is making great progress in many areas,” Dollner said. “The signing of the second driver is another milestone.
“We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, 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 1.”
Binotto pleased with 2025 Sauber line-up
Bortoleto’s promotion means there will be three debutants on the 2025 grid with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan, while Oliver Bearman has made three starts.
Binotto, who was appointed over the summer, is certain that Sauber has picked the “ideal combination” as it prepares to transition into a works Audi setup from 2026.
“Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,” Binotto added.
“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.”
READ MORE – Valtteri Bottas reveals reason behind impending Sauber F1 exit
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