Fernando Alonso considering exciting Gabriel Bortoleto F1 future decision after superb Sauber start

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One of the most interesting storylines this season has been the relationship between Aston Martin star Fernando Alonso and Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

F1 Oversteer has heard rumours in the paddock that Fernando Alonso is beginning to make plans for the next steps of Gabriel Bortoleto’s career.

Bortoleto credited Alonso for his help in securing a place in McLaren’s academy before he went on to win the Formula 2 championship last year.

That maiden title win was enough to convince Sauber that they should bring the Brazilian in to replace Valtteri Bottas alongside Nico Hulkenberg this year.

Although Hulkenberg’s podium finish at Silverstone is the highlight for Jonathan Wheatley’s team, Bortoleto finishing P6, directly behind Alonso’s Aston Martin in Hungary, was his high point of 2025.

Alonso has called Bortoleto a generational talent in the aftermath of his recent upturn in form, and other teams in the paddock will be starting to take notice.

That could mean that although Sauber will become Audi next season, the German manufacturing giants might not be in a position to hold on to their top talent for long.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Fernando Alonso planning the next steps of Gabriel Bortoleto’s Formula 1 career

Paddock sources have suggested to F1 Oversteer Alonso is beginning to push some of the bigger teams on the grid to consider a move for Bortoleto.

There are a few teams that could have a vacancy in the next couple of seasons.

Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull next year if the team’s car isn’t up to scratch, and it’s yet to be seen what length of contract George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will sign at Mercedes.

Bernie Ecclestone has suggested Bortoleto as a potential Lewis Hamilton replacement, and the seven-time world champion could leave as early as the end of 2026.

There is another alternative solution being rumoured that Alonso is supposedly considering.

Aston Martin have high hopes for next season, with the introduction of Honda power units and Adrian Newey taking the lead in designing their new car.

The 44-year-old two-time world champion is planning to spend one more season attempting to add to his tally of 32 race wins before potentially moving on.

Alonso’s contract runs until 2026, and F1 Oversteer has heard that Alonso could line up Bortoleto to replace him at Aston Martin once he finally hangs up his racing gloves.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto? Everything you need to know

Rubens Barrichello backs Gabriel Bortoleto to succeed in Formula 1

One driver who knows all about racing Alonso is Brazilian star Rubens Barrichello.

Barrichello was Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Ferrari when Alonso was trying to win his first championship with Renault in the mid-2000s.

Although the veteran Brazilian never won a title himself, he saw firsthand what was needed to achieve that feat.

Barrichello has given his verdict on Bortoleto’s start to life in Formula 1 and has backed him to have a long career.

It’s yet to be seen how competitive Audi will be next season, and if they end up challenging further up the grid than expected, then Alonso might not want to rush Bortoleto into his next move.

Alternatively, if Aston Martin are the team to beat during F1’s upcoming regulation changes, then Alonso might not be so willing to give up his seat to his protege, even if he’ll be 45 years old at the end of that campaign.