McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has indicated that the team will not obstruct Gabriel Bortoleto’s potential move to Sauber if the opportunity arises. Instead of a permanent transfer, McLaren would prefer to facilitate a loan move, allowing Bortoleto to gain valuable Formula 1 experience while maintaining a future connection with the team.
Bortoleto, a rising star in the motorsport world, currently stands out as a strong candidate for a seat at the future Audi team, which Sauber will operate. Alongside Valtteri Bottas, Theo Pourchaire, and potentially Franco Colapinto—who impressed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix—Bortoleto is being considered as a potential teammate to Nico Hulkenberg.
The Brazilian driver has rapidly ascended the ranks, showcasing his talent with a remarkable debut season in Formula 3 where he clinched the championship. He has continued to impress in Formula 2, leading the standings as a rookie after a series of consistent performances, including finishing 17 of the last 18 races in the top 10.
With McLaren already secured with long-term contracts for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, there appears to be no immediate vacancy at the Woking-based team. As a result, Stella is open to discussions about Bortoleto’s future and is keen on ensuring that the promising young driver remains within the McLaren family.
“If [Sauber COO Mattia] Binotto approached me about Bortoleto, we wouldn’t stop him from seizing a Formula 1 opportunity,” Stella said. “However, we would prefer to explore options that allow us to keep him within the McLaren organization, as I believe he has significant potential for our team in the future.”
Stella has particularly impressed Bortoleto with his performance, consistency, and attitude. The 19-year-old’s approach mirrors the qualities seen in McLaren’s current drivers, with Stella highlighting Bortoleto’s humility and eagerness to learn.
“Gabriel has shown the same dedication and attitude that we value in our drivers,” Stella noted. “He doesn’t focus solely on rankings but remains grounded and focused on each race. His resilience and commitment, especially during the challenging start of his F2 campaign, have been remarkable.”
Currently, Bortoleto leads the Formula 2 standings with 169.5 points, closely followed by Isack Hadjar (165 points), Zane Maloney (135 points), and Paul Aron (133 points). With four races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the competition for the championship remains intense, with Jak Crawford, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Victor Martins still mathematically in contention.
As Bortoleto’s career continues to flourish, McLaren remains committed to supporting his development while exploring ways to keep his future within the team’s fold.
