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Formula 1: Why Sauber’s ongoing driver dilemma should not exist

BBG News

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours racing virtual Formula 1 cars and following real-world F1 news, I must say that the Sauber/Audi drama is heating up! The prospect of seeing Nico Hulkenberg back on the grid next year is exciting enough, but the choice between Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto has me intrigued.

Come 2026, Audi is poised to completely assume control of Sauber in the world of Formula 1, aiming for a strong competitive start from day one.

As a gaming enthusiast might put it, securing Nico Hulkenberg for the following season felt like the right move, and now, there’s buzz about who’ll claim the second seat. Rumors swirl that either the seasoned Valtteri Bottas or the promising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto could snag it.

It appears that this decision is presenting a challenge for Mattia Binotto, the new leader of the Sauber/Audi Formula 1 initiative.

The team continues to believe in Bottas, but the struggling performance of his Sauber car has hindered a fair evaluation of the Finnish driver. Unfortunately, as we approach the end of his career, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for him to secure a seat beyond the 2024 season.

Sauber see the potential in the young Brazilian

One could say that Bortoleto is perceived as a racer with a decent level of risk but significantly greater potential returns. At only 19 years old, he clinched the Formula 3 championship in his inaugural season last year, and he’s now poised to potentially take the lead in the Formula 2 championship.

From now on, Bortoleto’s skills can only improve, a prospect that peaks Sauber’s interest. Moreover, unlike Bottas, his salary expectations won’t be astronomical.

Given that the Brazilian driver has a home race scheduled at Interlagos, Sauber recognizes a significant chance to boost their earnings when the São Paulo Grand Prix takes place.

Bortoleto is part of McLaren’s Driver Development Program, which means he has a chance to further his dream of possibly racing for McLaren in the future, should there be any speculated friction leading to Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri leaving the team.

Mattia Binotto is working towards finalizing Sauber’s driver roster for 2025, with Enzo Fittipaldi Bortoleto gaining more and more backing. Given the positive developments surrounding the 19-year-old in recent times, it seems logical to opt for him over Valtteri Bottas, particularly since the Finnish driver has expressed his dislike for short-term contracts himself.

Since Sauber has chosen to go with experienced drivers by recruiting the 37-year-old Hulkenberg, it seems logical that they might also consider bringing on Bortoleto, particularly following McLaren’s approval for him to discuss terms with the team.

Since only two racing teams, including Sauber, haven’t yet confirmed their driver lineups for the upcoming season, everyone is eagerly waiting to see which drivers Sauber will choose in the near future. If Red Bull’s situation changes, that would make it three teams under scrutiny.

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2024-09-13 17:32

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