Verstappen Endorses Bortoleto for Sauber's 2025 Seat

Max Verstappen has shown strong support for Gabriel Bortoleto, the current F2 leader, to fill the remaining 2025 seat at Sauber, which will become Audi's works team in 2026. Verstappen believes Bortoleto, part of the McLaren Driver Development program and managed by Fernando Alonso's company, should join Sauber to gain experience before the major rule changes in 2026. Despite being managed by Fernando Alonso's company, Bortoleto's impressive performances in F3 and F2 make him a noteworthy candidate. McLaren's Oscar Piastri also supports Bortoleto's potential move to F1, emphasizing the merit of his achievements. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel has placed confidence in Max Verstappen to secure the F1 championship this year, despite a five-place grid penalty for Verstappen in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen's aggressive driving style remains under scrutiny, as he faces competition from Lando Norris, who is closing in on the championship leader.