Gabriel Bortoleto surged from P22 on the grid to cross the line in P1 at Monza, securing a crucial Feature race victory in Formula 2. The Brazilian is already a contender to join Sauber next season, and results like this will only help his cause. As the Swiss-based team considers its options, Bortoleto cements himself as a leading candidate.
Bortoleto improves Sauber contract chanes
A statement win in Monza
When Bortoleto spun out in qualifying, failing to set a representative time, his chances for a strong result in Monza seemed almost non-existent. Starting from the very back, his chances of points were always slim.
However, the 19-year-old has shown brilliant pace as he charged through the grid. In Saturday’s Sprint Race, he made numerous overtakes before crossing the line in 8th – a hugely impressive feat in just 21 laps.
This was only an appetiser for his performance in today’s Feature Race, where he went from last to first – capitalising on fortunate Safety Car timing – before creating a 10-second gap to second place.
Bortoleto and Bottas under evaluation
As mentioned previously on LWOS, Bortoleto and Bottas are the favourites to drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season.
The Swiss-based squad are following Bortoleto’s progress closely. The team are aware that his on-track speed (coupled with huge commercial potential) could become a huge asset.
Audi also have an experienced driver in Hulkenberg already signed, which could mitigate the risk of signing a rookie driver. 2025 would also be a year with relatively limited pressure at Sauber, given their pace is unlikely to be enough for regular points.
Ironically, the Brazilian probably has better tools than Valtteri Bottas to boost his chances of earning an extension.
With Bottas driving such uncompetitive machinery, the 35-year-old will find it difficult to produce any stand-out results.
The same cannot be said for Bortoleto, who will work with his management team – which includes Fernando Alonso – to land an F1 contract.
The Finn is also adamant about signing a multi-year contract, something that Audi have been reluctant to agree upon. In this context, there is a real window of opportunity that the McLaren junior (who would be free to join Sauber F1) can capitalise on.
