The identity of Sauber’s second driver for the 2025 season remains uncertain, but Max Verstappen believes that Gabriel Bortoleto, the current leader of the F2 championship, is the ideal candidate to partner with Nico Hulkenberg.
Current Situation at Sauber
Sauber has already confirmed Hulkenberg’s signing for the upcoming season, marking a significant step as the team prepares to transition into Audi’s works outfit in 2026. However, the futures of current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are still up in the air, leading to speculation about who will fill the second seat.
Gabriel Bortoleto: A Rising Star
Bortoleto, a 20-year-old Brazilian, has garnered attention as a potential candidate for Sauber. As a member of the McLaren Driver Development programme, he has already made waves in the racing world. After winning the Formula 3 championship in his debut year (2023), he currently leads the F2 standings by 4.5 points over Isack Hadjar with just two rounds remaining.
Verstappen’s Endorsement
During a recent press conference at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen shared his thoughts on Bortoleto’s potential. He emphasized the importance of integrating young drivers into teams ahead of significant rule changes in 2026.
“If I was Sauber, I would’ve signed him already,” Verstappen stated. “Especially because that’s the future—young drivers—and ’26 will see a big rule change. It’s always good to get used to a team already for a year, make your mistakes here and there, and understand the car better. You always feel much more prepared and comfortable when you start in ’26.”
Support from Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri, another talented driver who has experienced success in both F3 and F2, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments regarding Bortoleto. He praised the young driver’s impressive performance and suggested that his results warrant a place in Formula 1.
“I think he’s been doing a very impressive job, obviously winning F3 as a rookie last year and now leading the championship in F2,” Piastri commented. “When you’re achieving those kinds of results, you deserve to be in F1. I hope he doesn’t have to go through the pain of not getting a seat like I did.”
Conclusion
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on Sauber and their decision regarding the second driver. With Verstappen and Piastri both advocating for Bortoleto, it seems clear that the young Brazilian has the talent and potential to make a significant impact in Formula 1. The upcoming months will be crucial as fans and analysts alike await Sauber’s announcement. Will they heed the advice of these seasoned drivers and secure Bortoleto’s future in the sport?
