Rising Star: Gabriel Bortoleto Tipped for Formula One Success

Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto is being considered for a Formula One seat in 2025 by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, particularly at Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026. Despite leading in Formula Two and being part of McLaren's development program, Bortoleto faces competition for a coveted F1 spot.

Brazilian rising star Gabriel Bortoleto is the talk of Formula One as three-time world champion Max Verstappen expressed his desire to see him in the sport's top tier. With few vacancies for 2025, Verstappen singled out Sauber, set to become Audi in 2026, as the prime seat for Bortoleto.

"If I were Sauber, I would have already signed him," Verstappen confidently stated ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of integrating young talent before the significant 2026 rule changes, offering Bortoleto time to adjust and grow within a team environment.

Brazil, known for its legendary Formula One champions, currently lacks representation on the F1 grid. Though part of McLaren's development program, 20-year-old Bortoleto, the reigning Formula Two leader, faces stiff competition for the Sauber seat from names like Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas.

(With inputs from agencies.)