Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, has expressed openness to the idea of junior driver Gabriel Bortoleto joining Sauber, particularly considering Sauber’s upcoming transformation into Audi’s works team by 2026. McLaren’s current focus is on drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom are secured on long-term contracts, thus limiting opportunities for Bortoleto within the team.
Despite these limitations, Bortoleto has garnered significant attention and appreciation within McLaren. The young driver faced several challenging situations at the beginning of the 2024 season, yet he has demonstrated notable resilience and growth. Stella praises Bortoleto’s humility and his eagerness to learn, drawing comparisons to Oscar Piastri. “For me, it’s similar to Oscar [Piastri],” Stella observed. “It’s not only the ability and the execution when he is in the car from a driving point of view. It’s also how humble these guys are, how available they are to just get the learning, working with the team – at no point are they arrogant.”
Stella emphasized the importance of combining talent with hard work and a good attitude for driver development. “When you combine talent with hard work and this kind of values and attitude, I think it’s where you can grow as a driver,” he remarked. Bortoleto’s journey has not been without hiccups, yet his ability to persevere stands out. “Gabriel is another example of growing so rapidly. Even though he’s had to campaign, he had some hiccups, not necessarily only due to his driving,” Stella noted.
Considering Bortoleto’s talent, Stella is receptive to the idea of him moving to Sauber if it provides an opportunity for the driver to race in Formula 1. The strategic partnership with Audi positions Sauber as an appealing option for young talents like Bortoleto. “He had some tough problems, but he didn’t give up. He stayed on the case, and now he’s building step by step. If Binotto came to me, when you have such a talent, definitely, you’re not going to stop him having a chance in Formula 1,” Stella commented.
McLaren remains committed to keeping talented drivers within their fold, potentially positioning Bortoleto for future opportunities. Stella mentioned the importance of balancing Bortoleto’s chances in F1 with keeping him connected to McLaren, potentially through a beneficial arrangement with Sauber. “At the same time, we will be definitely interested in finding a way to keep him in the McLaren family because I think he’s a talent that, in the future, could be important for McLaren. We are safe for the long term with our two drivers. We couldn’t be any happier, but definitely we would like to keep him in the McLaren family, but I’m sure we could find a solution,” Stella explained.
Adding another layer to the competitive landscape of securing F1 seats for young drivers, Williams is also vying to keep another promising driver, Franco Colapinto, on the grid. Sauber is once again mentioned as a primary option, highlighting the intense contest for limited F1 seats among rising talents.
The dynamic nature of Formula 1’s junior driver development is further influenced by industry figures like Mattia Binotto, who is reportedly involved with Sauber’s future decision-making. His role could prove pivotal in shaping the careers of young drivers like Bortoleto and Colapinto.
Stella’s advice to Bortoleto encapsulates the core values necessary for success in the demanding world of Formula 1: “I tell Gabriel the same thing I tell the team, don’t look at the classification, just think about the chequered flag all the time, and race one race at a time, with the feet on the ground – and he does it.”
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how these developments will unfold for Bortoleto and other aspiring drivers within the constantly evolving F1 landscape. The potential move to Sauber presents an exciting opportunity, while McLaren’s intent to keep talented drivers like Bortoleto in their orbit underscores the strategic planning necessary to navigate the sport’s competitive environment effectively.
