Components 2 championship chief Gabriel Bortoleto seems to be set to race for Sauber subsequent yr, with sources revealing {that a} deal to affix the Swiss outfit has now been agreed.
The Brazilian had been a front-runner to change into Nico Hulkenberg’s team-mate for 2025, however Sauber wished to take its time weighing up whether or not to go for the teenager or persist with an skilled driver like incumbent Valtteri Bottas.
It now seems {that a} determination has been taken and, with Bortoleto and his representatives current within the Brazilian GP paddock this week, it’s understood an settlement has been reached for subsequent season.
It’s understood that some closing particulars nonetheless must be sorted out earlier than an official announcement may be made, however issues are more likely to be finalised in time for the subsequent grand prix in Las Vegas.
Whereas Bortoleto has been a part of McLaren’s junior programme for the reason that finish of 2023, having captured final yr’s F3 title, it’s understood that the Woking-based staff is not going to stand in his manner in letting him transfer to Sauber.
Motorsport.com reported earlier that McLaren had made it lengthy clear to Bortoleto that it could launch him from his dedication if he had a agency race deal in place, however wished to retain ties to him if he was solely provided a reserve or take a look at deal.
Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Crew KICK Sauber C44
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Ought to Bortoleto’s deal to affix Sauber be confirmed then it can successfully deliver an finish to Bottas’ hopes of staying on the F1 grid subsequent yr.
Sauber was the Finn’s solely sensible possibility for remaining in a full-time cockpit, so if he loses that then he should ponder different choices.
One risk might be for Bottas to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver.
Requested about that risk on the Mexican Grand Prix, Bottas mentioned: “Firstly, the precedence is to remain as a race driver, that’s what I would like, and that’s what I’m pushing for with Mattia [Binotto].
“However, in fact, as I don’t have something signed. I’ve received to have a look at all of the options together with going again to the Mercedes household. That’s for certain one possibility and I’d take into account it.”
Bortoleto’s arrival in F1 implies that Brazil may have its first full-time grand prix driver since Felipe Massa retired on the finish of the 2017 season. In 2020, Pietro Fittipaldi raced two grands prix for Haas because the substitute for the injured Romain Grosjean.
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