Gabriel Bortoleto has contended that Felipe Drugovich would deserve a position on the Formula 1 grid after Cadillac opted to overlook his services for a seat in 2026.
Cadillac announced prior to last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will drive for the team when it embarks on its F1 debut next season.
The American marque’s choice to prioritise experience came as a blow to Drugovich, who has been unable to land an F1 drive since taking the Formula 2 title in 2022.
Drugovich’s success in the second tier secured him a role with Aston Martin, but Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll’s presence has denied him the chance to move up.
Bortoleto, whose own F2 title win last season clinched him a step up to F1 with Sauber, has admitted that he hopes the door hasn’t shut completely on his compatriot.
“Look, I think it’s a big company,” Bortoleto told media including Motorsport Week. “They have their goals and a lot of people deciding these types of things.
“It’s not up to me to judge anyone’s decision.
“Obviously, Felipe is a great friend of mine, and I really feel like he deserved a chance to be in Formula 1. It’s not over yet – maybe one day he gets his shot.
“He’s a Formula 2 champion, so I believe everyone that wins F2 should have a chance in Formula One. Felipe is a great guy, and I feel like he deserved it.
“But again, it’s a big company, they have their reasons to decide things, and things like this happen. So, yeah, that’s my point of view.”
Bearman understands Cadillac approach
Despite concurring with Bortoleto’s sentiment when it came to Drugovich’s continued absence, Oliver Bearman revealed that he could understand Cadillac’s approach.
“I largely agree,” the Briton, who is navigating his maiden campaign in the series with Haas in 2025, echoed.
“The first thing is, from their point of view, it makes sense to go with two guys who are known quantities within the sport.
“Taking a rookie is, of course, a bigger risk than taking two guys with a lot of experience.
“But I do think there are a lot of people not on this grid who have a huge amount of talent and should have the opportunity to show what they can do. Felipe is one of them.
“At the top of every category, there are a lot of great IndyCar drivers who would do a good job here.
“But that decision makes sense. I mean, if I was at the top of an F1 team starting out from nothing, I would do the same, I think.”
READ MORE – Why Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez is the sensible debut F1 driver line-up for Cadillac
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