Sauber have confirmed Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto will drive in 2025 alongside Nico Hulkenberg as the team prepares to transition to Audi for 2026.
The team announced on Wednesday Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will leave at the end of the season.
Sao Paulo’s Bortoleto joins from Formula 2 and leads the championship with two round remaining. The 20-year-old joined McLaren’s driver programme in 2023.
The team said in a statement: “We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents.
“His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”
Bortoleto said: “Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour. Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Bottas leaves the team after three seasons. Last week he raised the possibility of returning to his former world championship team Mercedes as a reserve driver, where he won 10 races.
Sauber said in a statement: “Within the driver line-up, Valtteri has been a driving force, elevating both his teammate and the team with his unparalleled experience, enthusiasm, invaluable technical insights and fighting spirit.
“Joining as a rookie, Zhou formed a strong partnership with teammate, Valtteri Bottas, as the duo mixed experience and youthful enthusiasm. Zhou’s learning curve was steep, but the Shanghai-born driver made quick progression and went on to establish himself as a reliable performer and an exciting driver with a knack for attacking.
“With three races still to run in the 2024 season, Zhou and the team will try their best to finish this journey in the most successful way possible: there’s a job to do, and everyone in the team is determined to get it done in the best manner.”
