McLaren officially announce driver EXIT as major 2025 transfer conf…read more
McLaren has confirmed that one of its rising stars will be leaving the team to drive for another Formula 1 team starting in 2025. The British outfit has enjoyed a highly successful season in 2024, leading the constructors’ championship with just three races left. This remarkable performance has seen them surpass reigning champions Red Bull, as well as top competitors Ferrari and Mercedes. If McLaren manages to hold their lead, they will secure their first constructors’ title since 1998, marking an extraordinary achievement.
The current season’s success has largely been driven by the performances of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have helped position McLaren as a top contender. Despite their achievements, the team is preparing for a change in their talent pool, with one of their promising development drivers opting for a new opportunity in Formula 1. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, who has been part of McLaren’s Driver Development Program, will depart to join Sauber in 2025. Sauber, the Swiss-based team, is preparing for a significant transition of its own as it becomes Audi in 2026, adding further anticipation around this move.
Bortoleto, currently competing in Formula 2, has shown impressive skill throughout the season, leading the F2 drivers’ standings with only two races remaining. The 20-year-old driver is on the verge of securing the F2 championship, which would be a significant accomplishment and a strong indicator of his potential at the elite level of motorsport. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, and his move to Sauber positions him alongside Nico Hulkenberg, whose involvement with the team for 2025 was announced earlier this year. With the departure of current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the team will field an entirely new lineup, combining Hulkenberg’s extensive experience with Bortoleto’s fresh talent.
McLaren extended its best wishes to Bortoleto, acknowledging his contributions and potential in a social media tribute. Although his departure signals a transition for McLaren, they appear to be fully supportive of his decision to move on and compete at the highest level in Formula 1. As McLaren continues its pursuit of the 2024 constructors’ title, the team is optimistic about both its current roster and the future contributions of its development program.
With Bortoleto’s move, Sauber gains a promising young driver just as it prepares for its transformation into Audi in 2026. For Bortoleto, the next chapter in his career represents an exciting opportunity to prove himself in Formula 1, building on a successful foundation established during his time with McLaren.
