Gabriel Bortoleto joins Nico Hulkenberg at Kick Sauber for the 2025 season, making an unexpected turn in the driver line-up.
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises significant changes to the driver grid. With almost all the seats confirmed, there is only one seat available, and several talented drivers are fighting to fill it. The recent confirmation of Gabriel Bortoleto as pilot of Kick Sauber marked one of the last big moves in the transfer market, leaving FRanco Colapinto with few options to secure a seat for next season.
The entry of Bortoleto into the Swiss team, replacing Valtteri Bottasrepresents a change of direction for Sauber, which is preparing for its transition to Audi in 2026. This move not only positions the young Brazilian as one of the new promises of Formula 1, but also leaves Colapinto in a situation of uncertainty , while awaiting confirmation of the last seat available for 2025 in the team RB Visa Cash App.
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Who is Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoletoborn in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2004, stood out from his beginnings in kartingcompeting internationally at age 11. After shining in youth categories, he began his career in single-seaters in the Italian Formula 4 Championshipwhere he quickly caught the attention of important teams. His talent led him to be recruited by the McLaren academywhich allowed him to become familiar with the Formula 1 environment from an early age, thus strengthening his experience and skills in motorsports.
In 2022, Bortoleto was signed by A14 Managementthe agency Fernando Alonsowho became his mentor and provided essential guidance in his development. Thanks to this support, he entered the Formula 3 in 2023 with the Trident team. His debut was overwhelming: he won the first race in Bahrain and maintained a consistent performance, which led him to be crowned champion in his debut season, an exceptional achievement that reaffirmed his talent in the category and positioned him as a driver to watch.
The jump to Formula 2 in 2024 was no less shocking, as Gabriel dominated the category, leading the championship with impressive consistency and securing his place among the best emerging talents. His success caught the attention of Sauber, a team that in 2025 confirmed him as an official driver for Formula 1, forming a team with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. His arrival in the top category marked the return of a Brazilian driver to Formula 1, a milestone for his country after several years of absence.
What is Franco’s last possibility for next year?
On Franco Colapinto’s side, the opportunity to join the 2025 grid is not completely lost. Although Sauber has already closed its ranks, the team RB Visa Cash App He has not yet confirmed his second pilot. At the moment, Yuki Tsunoda occupies the main seat, while the second place remains vacant after the departure of Daniel Ricciardo. Liam Lawsona Red Bull academy driver, is the leading candidate, but Colapinto is also being considered, giving him one last hope of securing a spot in Formula 1.
In case of not getting the seat in RB Visa Cash App, Colapinto would probably remain as reserve driver at Williamswaiting for an opportunity to demonstrate his talent in the future. The next few weeks will be crucial, as the competition for the last place on the grid intensifies and the Argentine remains in the crosshairs.
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How is the driver grid for 2025?
- Mercedes: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
- McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
- Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
- Haas: Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon
- Williams: Carlos Sainz and Alex Abon
- RB Kick Sauber: Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto?
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
