Gabriel Bortoleto, a Brazilian driver, is preparing to make his Formula 1 debut for Sauber – Stake F1 Team this Sunday (16). The 20-year-old driver arrives at the main circuit of world motorsport with significant achievements under his belt, standing out as Formula 3 champion in 2023 and Formula 2 in 2024.
Bortoleto is the first Brazilian driver to compete full-time in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa retired in 2017. In addition, his previous performances in the junior categories generate a lot of expectation among Brazilian fans and experts of the sport.
Stake F1 Team: A new era for Sauber
Sauber, a team with a rich history in Formula 1, now competes under the name Stake F1 Team.
This change is due to sponsorship agreements with betting company Stake and other big brands such as Kit Kat, BRB, and Porto, with a transition to new control by Audi expected in 2026. The company also recently closed a sponsorship agreement with Pic Pay.
Partnership with Nico Hülkenberg
In the same team, the Brazilian joins veteran Nico Hülkenberg, the driver stands out for his technical knowledge and speed, which will certainly contribute to the development of the car and Bortoleto himself as a Formula 1 driver.
This partnership is seen as a potential catalyst for success for both teams in the 2025 season.
Testing with the Stake F1 Team C45
With an estimated salary of US$2 million per year, Bortoleto is among the highest paid rookies in Formula 1. His arrival raises expectations for both the team and the Brazilian public.
Sauber’s 2025 Formula 1 tests took place at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. In Bahrain on February 26, Gabriel Bortoleto drove the C45, completing 59 laps and describing the day as very positive.
In Imola, on January 29th and 30th, Sauber carried out collective tests with Racing Bulls, where Bortoleto participated in the Pre-Car Testing (TPC) program, standing out and receiving praise.
The team, founded by Peter Sauber and now fully acquired by Audi, is preparing to officially enter F1 in 2026.
Gabriel Bortoleto debuts at the Australian GP
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix will take place at the iconic Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, which is hosting Formula 1 for the 28th time. Measuring 5,278 meters long, the track has 14 corners and will be contested over 58 laps.
The track record is held by Charles Leclerc, who clocked 1:19.813 in 2024, the fastest time ever recorded at the circuit. Below are the details of the practice and race:
- Friday – 03/14/2025 02:00 – Free Practice 2 22:30 – Free Practice 3
- Saturday – 03/15/2025 02:00 – Classification.
- Sunday – 03/16/2025 01:00 – Race
