According to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella, Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto has earned his place in Formula 1. The 19-year-old driver joined the British team’s training squad last year and is currently leading in Formula 2. McLaren already has a strong line-up for the coming years with Norris and Piastri, but Sauber is reportedly interested in signing Bortoleto.
Andrea Stella addressed the rumors of Gabriel Bortoleto attracting Sauber’s interest ahead of the Singapore GP. The Brazilian recently took the lead in the Formula 2 championship and has since been flirting with a promotion to the premier class. According to Stella, Bortoleto is undoubtedly a global talent; he even dares to compare him with Oscar Piastri, who achieved his second race victory in Baku last week.
“I tell Gabriel (Bortoleto) the same as everyone: ‘Don’t look at the standings, just think about the checkered flag,'” Stella told the media in Singapore. “For me, he’s doing exactly the same as Oscar (Piastri). It’s not just about talent and driving skills; he’s also very humble and eager to learn more about our team. When you can combine such talent with this kind of work ethic, you can grow enormously as a driver.”
Battle with Colapinto?
What does Stella think about promoting Gabriel Bortoleto? At McLaren, both seats are currently occupied, but Sauber has reportedly shown interest in the young Brazilian. “I wish him a place in Formula 1,” says the Italian. “If Mattia Binotto (top executive at Sauber) were to approach me with the request to contract Bortoleto, I would certainly not stop him. Of course, we would like to keep him in the McLaren family, as he could become very important for us in the future.”
James Vowles Considers Colapinto for Last Audi Seat
The second seat at Sauber/Audi is one of the last free spots for the upcoming season. Franco Colapinto, who will have to give up his Williams next year to Carlos Sainz, is also eyeing this last chance to stay in Formula 1. Team boss James Vowles is reportedly ‘looking at the possibilities’ to send the Argentine to Sauber.
Colapinto and Bortoleto’s Previous Encounter
Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto shared the podium earlier this year during the Formula 2 race in Spielberg.
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