Mattia Binotto ‘observed’ in conversation with rival F1 team’s junior driver at Monza

Follow us on Google Discover

There is a limited amount of seats left on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 with only Sauber and Visa CashApp RB up for grabs.

While Sauber has confirmed Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season, there is still speculation over who could partner with him ahead of their transition to Audi in 2026.

Mattia Binotto is said to be ‘leaning’ towards wanting experience in the team which would point them to current driver Valtteri Bottas, but the Finn has yet to score a point in what is fast becoming one of Sauber’s worst seasons since 2014.

According to a report from AMuS, the former Ferrari team principal was also seen in ‘conversation’ with another F1 team’s junior driver during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Gabriele Bortorleto holds talks with Mattia Binotto

Gabriel Bortoleto is currently part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme and most recently won the Formula 3 championship in 2023.

The Brazilian currently races in the Formula 2 feeder series and sits second in the championship behind leader and Red Bull Junior driver Isack Hadjar.

He is also supervised by the same management group around two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, who according to the report, has denied any contact with Audi.

Bortoleto was seen ‘briefly seeking conversation’ with the 19-year-old after his win in the F2 Feature race at Monza. While it could likely be that Binotto was congratulating Bortoleto on his win, it adds further fuel to the speculation over who will get the seat at Sauber for 2025.

Sauber pointless in 2024 after 16 races

Sauber has yet to score a point in the 2024 season having endured a difficult start to the year being plagued with pit stop problems.

Neither Zhou Guanyu or Bottas have scored points for the team in over 20 races, having continued their streak of pointless races from last season.

READ MORE: Sauber would be making very surprising call if they opted for a five-podium F2 driver over Valtteri Bottas

It is unlikely that the Swiss team will continue with Zhou who has been comfortably outperformed by Bottas this year. But while the Finn has been a reliable driver, there is a queue of young drivers waiting to replace him.

Binotto says the team is assessing numerous options ahead of 2025, with 2023 F2 title winner Theo Pourchaire also on the shortlist.