The identity of Kick Sauber’s second driver for 2025 is still a mystery, but Max Verstappen believes that F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto is the right choice to race alongside Nico Hulkenberg next year. Hulkenberg was confirmed to join the team in April as they prepare to become Audi’s works outfit in 2026, but the partner driver remains unknown, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu’s futures uncertain.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old Brazilian part of the McLaren Driver Development program, is a contender for the seat. After winning the Formula 3 championship in 2023 and leading the F2 standings this season, Bortoleto has caught the eye of many in the racing world. Verstappen expressed his support for Bortoleto, emphasizing the importance of young drivers ahead of the technical rule changes in 2026. He believes that a year with Sauber would prepare Bortoleto well for the new regulations.
Oscar Piastri, another driver who quickly rose through the ranks like Bortoleto, praised the Brazilian’s achievements and suggested that his results warrant a spot in Formula 1. Piastri, who spent a year as Alpine’s test driver after winning F2, understands the challenges of securing a seat in F1 and hopes Bortoleto does not face the same struggles.
Both Verstappen and Piastri see potential in Bortoleto and believe he deserves a chance in F1 based on his impressive performances in F2. As the discussions continue about who will fill the vacant Sauber seat for 2025, Bortoleto’s name remains at the forefront of the conversation. With the support of established drivers like Verstappen and Piastri, Bortoleto’s path to Formula 1 seems promising, and fans eagerly await the official announcement from Sauber regarding their driver lineup for the upcoming season.