Bortoleto Justifies Sauber's Faith in Strong Rookie Season

Despite a challenging start with an uncompetitive Sauber, reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto emerged as a standout rookie in 2025. After a mid-season upgrade unlocked the car's potential, the Brazilian consistently matched his veteran teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, proving the team's long-term bet on youth was the right call.

Why it matters:

Bortoleto's successful integration is a massive win for Sauber as it prepares for its high-stakes transition into the Audi works team in 2026. Choosing a rookie over a proven driver was a risk, but his raw speed and rapid development suggest they have a future star on their hands, providing a crucial foundation for the Audi project.

The details:

• Rocky Start: Bortoleto's season began with a spin on debut in Melbourne and 10 consecutive pointless races, a humbling experience for the reigning F2 champion.
• The Turning Point: A major upgrade package introduced at the Barcelona Grand Prix elevated Sauber from a backmarker to a solid midfield contender.
• Breakthrough Results: He scored his first points with an eighth-place finish in Austria, backed by a brilliant sixth in Hungary and another P8 at Monza.
• Impressive Teammate Battle: Bortoleto notably outqualified Hülkenberg for eight consecutive sessions, ultimately finishing their qualifying head-to-head tied at 15-15.
• Internal Approval: Sauber is reportedly "mightily impressed" with his speed, attitude, and relentless work ethic, validating their driver strategy.

What's next:

Heading into his sophomore season, Bortoleto's focus will be on refining his technical feedback and consistency as the team becomes Audi. Having proven his one-lap pace, the next step is to master race craft and help develop the car into a regular points-scorer, solidifying his role as a key asset for the brand's new Formula 1 era.