Sauber has confirmed that Brazilian Gabriel Bortoletto will drive in 2025 alongside Nico Hulkenberg as the team prepares to move to Audi in 2026.
The team announced on Wednesday that Valtteri Bottas and Zhu Guanyu will leave the team at the end of the season.
Sao Paulo’s Bortoletto joins from Formula 2 and leads the championship with two rounds remaining. The 20-year-old joins McLaren’s driver program in 2023.
“We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, where young drivers are making an impact immediately. By signing Gabriel Bortoletto, we have secured one of the best such talents,” the team said in a statement.
“His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”
“Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour,” said Bortoletto. “Beyond just being a member, I aim to grow through this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Valtteri Bottas (right) and Zhu Guanyu (left) will leave the team at the end of the season. Alessio Morges/Noor Photo via Getty Images
Bottas leaves the team after three seasons. Last week, he raised the possibility of returning to his former world champion Mercedes team as a reserve driver, where he won ten races.
Sauber said in a statement: “Within the driver line-up, Valtteri has been a driving force, raising the level of his colleague and the team with his unparalleled experience, enthusiasm, invaluable technical vision and fighting spirit.
“Joining as a rookie, Zhou formed a strong partnership with team-mate Valtteri Bottas, with the pair mixing experience with youthful enthusiasm. Zhou’s learning curve was steep, but the Shanghai-born driver made rapid progress and continued to establish himself as a reliable driver. An exciting performer and driver with a knack for attacking .
“With three races remaining in the 2024 season, Zhou and the team will do their best to finish this journey in the best way possible: there is work to do, and everyone in the team is determined to accomplish it in the best way.”
