McLaren insists no final decision has been made about Gabriel Bortoleto's Formula 1 future, amid growing indications that the Brazilian could be poised to secure a deal with Sauber.
Bortoleto, who is part of McLaren’s young driver programme, has impressed in F2 this season — and currently leads the championship with only the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds remaining.
His strong form, off the back of winning the 2023 F3 championship, has thrust him into contention for a seat at Sauber, which has been pondering whether to sign a youngster for the long-term or stick with an experienced driver like incumbent Valtteri Bottas.
Sources have indicated that Bortoleto is closing in on a deal, although it is unclear if this is for next season or for 2026 when the Sauber team will officially become Audi.
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For Bortoleto to be free to race for Sauber, he would need to be released from his McLaren young driver contract.
Speaking at the Brazilian Grand Prix, team principal Andrea Stella reiterated that his squad would have no hesitation in doing so.
It is understood, however, that such a release is dependent on Bortoleto having a firm race contract on the table, rather than it being for a reserve or test role.
Stella said: “Having the possibility to talk about Gabriel, I would like to take this opportunity to say once again how good a work he's been doing in junior categories, winning F3, leading F2 at the first season.
“This is to lead into the fact that I think it's very, very normal and natural that Formula 1 teams are interested in having Gabriel as a driver.
“In terms of McLaren, McLaren will not stop the possibility for Gabriel to drive Formula 1. So conversations are ongoing and we will see what the scenario will be for the future.”
Bortoleto has earned some fans within the F1 paddock with his driving this year and three-time world champion Max Verstappen said earlier this weekend that if he was Sauber he would commit to him straightaway.
“If I was Sauber, I would have signed him already,” said Verstappen. “I mean, especially if that's for the future and ‘26, with the big rule change.
“It's always good to get used to a team already for a year, make your mistakes here and there, get integrated well, and understand the car a bit. You always feel much more prepared and comfortable when you then start in ‘26.”
