Just In: McLaren officially announce driver EXIT as major 2025 transfer…read more

McLaren has confirmed that one of its promising rising stars, Gabriel Bortoleto, will leave the team at the end of 2024 to join Sauber for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This news comes amid McLaren’s highly successful 2024 season, during which they have surged to the top of the Constructors’ Championship, overtaking Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. If they maintain their lead in the final three races, McLaren will secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, marking a historic achievement for the team.

The team’s strong performance this season has been largely driven by the efforts of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have played key roles in establishing McLaren as one of the top teams in F1. Despite their recent success, McLaren is preparing for a change in its driver lineup, with Bortoleto, a standout talent from their Driver Development Program, opting for a move to Sauber. The Swiss-based team is set for a major transformation as it transitions to Audi in 2026, adding extra excitement to Bortoleto’s move.

Bortoleto, 20, is currently competing in Formula 2, where he has impressed with his consistent performances, leading the drivers’ standings with just two races remaining. His potential has been evident throughout the season, and he is on the cusp of winning the F2 championship, further solidifying his credentials for an F1 seat. His move to Sauber will see him partner with Nico Hulkenberg, who was confirmed to join the team for 2025 earlier this year. With the departure of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu from Sauber, the team will field an entirely new driver lineup next season, combining Hulkenberg’s wealth of experience with Bortoleto’s promising talent.

McLaren expressed its support for Bortoleto’s decision, acknowledging his contributions to the team and wishing him the best for his future in Formula 1. The team emphasized their confidence in their development program, which continues to produce exceptional talent. As McLaren focuses on securing its first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades, they are also looking ahead to future prospects, including the continued growth of their young drivers.

For Bortoleto, this move to Sauber marks an exciting new chapter in his career as he prepares to compete at the highest level in F1, with the added intrigue of Sauber’s upcoming transformation into Audi.