With the season closing, Sauber is still looking to confirm their line-up. Nico Hulkenberg has already been confirmed for 2025 but the second seat is still up for grabs. Many drivers have been linked to the vacant seat.
Sauber must decide if they should stick with one of their drivers, or choose new blood to partner with the German. One name linked to the vacant seat is Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, and he has received praise from three-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen thinks Sauber should have already signed Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto is currently leading the F2 championship with just two races remaining. The youngster is looking to break into F1 and Max Verstappen believes the 20-year-old should be in a Sauber next season. Speaking in the press conference before the Brazilian GP, the Dutchman said: “If I were Sauber, I would have signed him already.”
⚠️ | Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto are reportedly the primary candidates to join Sauber for 2025.
Who would you rather see in the seat at Sauber? 👇#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/oDPQ81zmBA
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 16, 2024
High praise from a big voice in the sport cannot harm Bortoleto’s chances. However, the issue is he is part of the McLaren junior program. A deal would need to be struck with the Woking-based team. Although, according to rumors, the papaya outfit would not stand in Bortoleto’s way.
However, many drivers are linked to the second Sauber seat. Most have more experience in F1 and the team, so Sauber might feel the Brazilian’s talent outweighs the risk of inexperience.
What are Sauber’s other options?
Sauber could simply stick with one of their current drivers. An experienced pair of hands in Valtteri Bottas could steady the ship whilst they transition into Audi and the new regulations. Less likely, Zhou Guanyu could be kept on, but with younger drivers out there, his chances are slim.
Sauber has also been linked to Franco Colapinto, who has shone in his short time in F1. The Argentine has shown glimpses of real pace and scored vital points for Williams. However, Colapinto himself has said maybe his future for next season may lie outside F1.
It looks like the battle for the second seat will be fought between Colapinto and Bortoleto. With Hulkenberg aged 37, Sauber would most likely look to partner a younger driver who can learn from the German and become the team leader once Nico leaves.
