Source – Motors Inside
Gabriel Bortoleto, a junior driver for McLaren, is a contender for the open Stake F1/Audi slot.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a rising star in Formula 2, has reportedly been given the go-ahead by McLaren to engage in talks with Stake F1/Audi over a potential seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season. As speculation surrounding Audi’s 2026 entry into the sport heats up, this development marks a significant step for the young Brazilian, who has made waves in the F2 championship this year.
Brazilian outlet *Grande Premio* broke the news that McLaren, who has long had an eye on Bortoleto’s talent, has allowed him to negotiate with the Hinwil-based team, though with one key caveat: McLaren retains the option to recall Bortoleto in the future if one of their current drivers, Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, departs. It’s a strategic move by McLaren, securing the possibility of reacquiring the Brazilian if their driver lineup changes in the coming years.
Currently sitting second in the F2 drivers’ championship, Bortoleto has built a reputation for his aggressive, yet calculated driving style. His ascent through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular, following his 2022 Formula 3 title win, and now he is chasing the F2 crown. With three race weekends remaining, including a critical showdown in Azerbaijan, Bortoleto trails championship leader Isack Hadjar by just 10.5 points. His remarkable victory in the feature race at Monza, where he surged from last place to win after taking advantage of a late safety car, demonstrated his potential to make a mark in Formula 1.
The possibility of Bortoleto securing a spot with Audi is significant. As the German automotive giant prepares for its 2026 F1 debut in partnership with Sauber, it is looking to build a competitive driver lineup, and Bortoleto’s name has quickly risen to the top of the shortlist. While Nico Hulkenberg has already been confirmed for 2025, the second seat remains open, and Bortoleto’s recent performance and potential make him a prime candidate for the spot. Sauber’s new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, has publicly acknowledged that the team is closely monitoring Bortoleto’s progress. The team is also considering its current F2 driver, Theo Pourchaire, but Bortoleto’s momentum has captured the spotlight.
Should Bortoleto clinch the F2 title this year, he would join an elite group of drivers who have won back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships, a feat previously achieved by some of F1’s current stars, including Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri. Such a triumph would only solidify his credentials and increase the likelihood of him making the jump to F1 next season. It would be an impressive accomplishment, placing him among the most successful junior drivers in recent memory.
Audi’s pursuit of Bortoleto is not entirely out of the blue. Reports suggest that his management has been in discussions with the team since the Belgian Grand Prix, a sign that the Brazilian’s future is being hotly debated behind the scenes. Audi’s ambitions for 2026 are grand, and they appear keen to secure the services of a young and hungry driver who can grow with the team. Bortoleto, with his blend of raw talent and proven ability to handle pressure, fits the profile of the driver Audi is looking to develop as part of their long-term strategy.
For McLaren, the decision to grant Bortoleto permission to speak with Audi reflects their confidence in both their current driver lineup and their long-term planning. With Norris and Piastri seen as the cornerstones of McLaren’s future, the Woking-based team appears comfortable allowing Bortoleto to explore other opportunities—so long as they can bring him back into the fold if needed. McLaren’s move signals that while they may not have a seat for him immediately, they recognize the value of keeping Bortoleto within reach as his stock rises in the motorsport world.
As the F2 season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Bortoleto. His pursuit of the title, combined with the growing speculation around his F1 future, adds an extra layer of excitement to the championship battle. If he can close the gap to Hadjar and claim the crown, it could be the final push needed to secure his place alongside Hulkenberg at Audi, ushering in a new chapter for both the Brazilian and the team as they prepare for the challenges of Formula 1’s next era.
In the high-stakes world of motorsport, opportunities like this are rare, and Bortoleto’s window to make his mark is opening. His next few races in F2 will be critical, not only for his championship hopes but also for his future in F1. Audi is watching closely, and with McLaren’s blessing, Bortoleto is closer than ever to realizing his Formula 1 dream.
