Audi says young drivers performing at a high level as rookies is marking “a general shift in Formula 1” that persuaded it to back Gabriel Bortoleto for a race seat with its F1 partner, Sauber.
Bortoleto has been announced as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate at Sauber in 2025, for the final season before it completes its transition into the Audi works team. The 20-year-old won last season’s Formula 3 championship and is leading the F2 standings this year, in which fellow F2 drivers Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto have shown strongly on their F1 debuts. Audi CEO Gernot Dollner pointed to their example in explaining his company’s backing of the new generation.
“Led by Mattia [Binotto , chief technical officer], 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.”
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The choice of Bortoleto means current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will both leave the team at the end of the season, and Sauber COO and Binotto thanked both for their commitment over the past three years.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together,” Binotto said. “He has been the embodiment of professionalism, using his vast experience to support the team’s growth. Valtteri’s dedication and approach have been invaluable during a pivotal time in our history, and the memories of these years will stay with us for a long time.
“In considering our driver line-up for the coming seasons, Valtteri was unquestionably a key candidate. With his fighting spirit, he frequently pushed the car beyond its performance limits. However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.
“The last three years have seen our team grow significantly on and off the track, and both Valtteri and Zhou have played a big role in this progression. At this time, however, following our discussion with Zhou, we have decided that our future lies in different places.
“We are grateful to Zhou for the last three years, for the commitment and the hunger he has shown from the first moment he drove for us to today. Scoring points on debut and helping the team to P6 in 2022 was a statement of intent, but so was his contribution off track and at the factory.
“We want to celebrate our journey together with three strong races to finish this season, and both the team and Zhou are committed to giving everything in Las Vegas, Doha and Abu Dhabi together.”
