Gabriel Bortoleto Joins Sauber, Replacing Bottas and Zhou

Sauber has announced that Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto will join their Formula 1 team in 2025, replacing Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, alongside veteran Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto, who currently leads the Formula 2 standings, has impressed with his rapid rise in motorsport, having also won the Formula 3 championship. His signing reflects Sauber's strategy of fostering young talent as they transition to becoming an Audi-owned team in 2026. The decision to part ways with Bottas and Zhou comes after a challenging period for the team, with neither driver scoring points this season. Bortoleto's career has been supported by McLaren's driver development program and Fernando Alonso's management company, indicating high expectations for his future performances. Sauber hopes this new lineup will usher in a successful era under Audi's stewardship.