JUST IN: McLaren officially announce driver EXIT as major 2025 t..

McLaren Confirms Driver Departure as Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber for 2025

In a season where McLaren has dominated headlines for their resurgence in Formula 1, they have now made waves with an unexpected announcement regarding their driver lineup. The team confirmed that one of their rising stars, Gabriel Bortoleto, will leave the British outfit to race for Sauber in 2025.

As McLaren stands on the brink of their first constructors’ championship since 1998, this decision marks a pivotal moment for both the team and the 20-year-old Brazilian driver, who has spent much of his developmental career within the McLaren Driver Development programme. Despite the promising trajectory, Bortoleto will embark on a new journey with Sauber, who are themselves preparing for a major transformation as they transition to become Audi’s official works team in 2026.

McLaren’s success in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the team has capitalized on Red Bull’s relative struggles to claim dominance in the constructors’ standings with just three races remaining in the season. If they maintain their position, it will be their first championship victory in 26 years, a monumental achievement for the Woking-based team.

While McLaren’s present shines brightly, their decision to part ways with one of their promising young drivers signals a long-term vision that goes beyond their current success. Bortoleto’s development and performances, particularly in Formula 2, have impressed many within the sport. He currently leads the F2 standings, and a championship victory is within his grasp as the season draws to a close. His time in F2 has only further enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport.

Bortoleto’s move to Sauber, who will release their current driver duo Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu after the 2024 season, is a significant step forward for both the driver and the team. With Sauber transitioning into Audi in 2026, the opportunity for Bortoleto to establish himself at a team on the brink of factory backing offers a tantalizing prospect. Nico Hulkenberg was confirmed as one of Sauber’s drivers earlier this year, and the speculation surrounding his teammate for the upcoming season has now been put to rest.

At just 20 years old, Bortoleto has demonstrated maturity beyond his years in F2, consistently delivering strong performances. His natural talent and development within McLaren’s ranks have drawn comparisons to other young drivers who have made successful transitions from junior categories to Formula 1. McLaren’s statement on social media confirmed their full support for Bortoleto’s move, paying tribute to his contributions and wishing him well for the next chapter of his career.

Sauber’s Ambitions

For Sauber, securing Bortoleto’s signature is a clear statement of intent. As they prepare for their transition into Audi, the team is laying the groundwork for future success by focusing on youthful talent. The combination of Hulkenberg’s experience and Bortoleto’s raw pace and potential will be a fascinating partnership to watch in 2025.

This move also signals Sauber’s desire to be more competitive before Audi’s full involvement in 2026. Bortoleto’s arrival comes at a time when the team is eager to establish themselves as regular point scorers and contenders in the midfield. His presence is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Sauber’s ambitions, aligning with their long-term goals as they build toward their partnership with Audi.

While Bortoleto’s departure is a significant change for McLaren, the team’s focus will remain on maintaining their current form and finishing the 2024 season on a high. Their driver lineup of Norris and Piastri continues to deliver impressive results, and with the constructors’ championship within reach, McLaren’s immediate goal is clear.

As for Bortoleto, his move to Sauber offers a new opportunity for growth and development in Formula 1. With the support of his new team, he will be looking to make an impact in 2025 as the sport moves into a new era of regulations and technological advancements.

The young Brazilian’s future in F1 looks bright, and as he prepares to take on the challenge of racing for Sauber, all eyes will be on how he fares in the next phase of his burgeoning career.