With the 2024 season coming to an end, Mattia Binotto has confirmed Sauber’s (Audi) 2025 driver lineup, making them the second-last team to do so. The Swiss-based squad recently announced F2 driver Gabrielle Bortoleto alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto, who joined McLaren’s driver development program last October, is offered an exciting opportunity.

Despite the high costs associated with hiring from other teams, Binotto revealed that the Woking squad did not ask for anything. Gabriel Bortoleto is a Brazilian racing driver who has been making waves in the junior formula racing series. He’s particularly known for winning the 2023 F3 Championship.

This impressive performance has earned him a seat with the soon-to-be fully-turned Audi team from 2025 onwards, as they look to climb the mountain in F1. However, team boss Mattia Binotto revealed the deal to sign the rookie was completely cost-free. He explained that McLaren made no demands when the team was looking to sign Bortoletto.

The case was more like the 20-year-old wanted an opportunity and he was free to leave. I didn’t discuss with Zak [Brown], if not just to say hello and shake hands. We didn’t pay.

Gabriel was more free to leave because he got the opportunity. Mattia Binotto told Planetf1. comGabriel Bortoleto will be the first Brazilian driver on the F1 grid since Felipe Massa in 2017.

This will mark the return of a Brazilian driver to the sport after a few years of absence. The 2025 F1 season is set to be an exciting one, with many young drivers joining the grid. Bortoleto would be one of them, ready to make a strong impression.

RELATEDFerrari ropes in tech giant worth $197. 59 billion ahead of Lewis Hamilton’ 2025 arrivalGabrielle Bortoleto plan’s to do young driver tests for Sauber by the end of the seasonAlthough Gabriel Bortoleto joined McLaren’s Driver Development Program, he hasn’t had many chances to drive their F1 car. With no Friday practice sessions and only one testing day, fans are eager to see what he can really do in F1.

Gabriel Bortoleto (image via SBnation. com)However, His strong junior racing performances and upcoming post-season test with Sauber highlight his exciting talent. As the season ends, the 20-year-old aims to get used to the F1 car and prepare for next season.

I just did one day with McLaren. I was at Red Bull Ring, and that was a nice day. Did some testing with the F1 car for the first time.

And yeah, the plan is to do the young driver tests with Sauber at the end of the season, get used to the car even more and be ready for next season. Gabriel Bortoletto via Planetf1RELATEDEx-F1 team boss left SPEECHLESS by Max Verstappen’s incredible Brazilian GP driveWith only three races left to wrap up the 2024 season, excitement is already building for next year. In 2025, several new rookies will join the Formula 1 grid, promising to bring fresh energy and thrilling battles to the sport.

Fans look forward to an exciting showdown between these newcomers and the experienced drivers.