The US GP was another pointless race for Sauber, whose 2024 campaign has been hugely disappointing. Away from the track, intense conversations are taking place to determine their 2025 driver line-up. It is understood that Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto remains under heavy consideration.
Bortoleto still in the frame amidst Colapinto resurgence
At least a handful of drivers are being linked to the remaining Sauber seat. Despite the various developments and reports of recent weeks, Gabriel Bortoleto is firmly in the race.
Arguably the most exciting youngster in Formula 1 currently is Franco Colapinto. The Argentine (who was racing in Formula 3 just twelve months ago), has performed at an exceptionally high level since joining Williams.
Even without pre-season testing, Colapinto is giving the far more experienced Alex Albon plenty to think about.
However, his phenomenal debut season has not ended Bortoleto’s F1 hopes. Indeed, it is understood that Colapinto still hasn’t emerged as a front-runner to join the Swiss team.
Sauber uncertain about the future
The situation at the Hinwil-based team has become increasingly complex in recent weeks.
Roughly one month ago, Mattia Binotto admitted that Sauber could not keep prolonging their final decision. The almost 30-day gap between the Singapore and US GP was seen as the obvious chance to reach a contract agreement.
For reasons that remain unclear, this did not happen. Instead, last week saw a series of uncertain statements come from Valtteri Bottas.
The Finn, who still believes staying in F1 next season is realistic, explained that he cannot do anything else to influence Sauber’s decision.
Considering that the team should be well aware of Bottas’ calibre, this is a perfectly fair statement. However, it does not explain why no progress has been made in negotiations.
Sauber continue to ponder whether youth, represented by Bortoleto and Colapinto, is preferrable over the experience that Bottas offers.
There is also the issue of Colapinto’s relationship with Williams, which adds another spanner in the works.
Formula 2 Championship could be decisive
Whilst Sauber appear no closer to making a commitment for 2025, this is not necessarily a bad thing for Bortoleto.
There are still two races left in the Formula 2 Championship, which the Brazilian currently leads.
Should Mattia Binotto need any more convincing about Bortoleto’s abilities, there will be another chance for the 20-year-old to secure noteworthy results.
