McLaren could hand Gabriel Bortoleto F1 ‘opportunity’ in unlikely Norris and Piastri scenario

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McLaren is enjoying a run of regular success at the top of the grid, with wins from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the two most recent Grands Prix.

It is a credit to them that they have managed to produce a car that is now faster than Red Bull, while the Milton Keynes squad has been relegated to fourth fastest.

Although McLaren has their driver lineup locked in for the future, there has been speculation over their Acadamy driver and Fernando Alonso protege Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bortoleto is currently leading the F2 championship and has been tipped as a frontrunner for the seat at Sauber for the future, should the team decide to ditch Valtteri Bottas.

READ MORE: Who is Gabriel Bortoleto? F2 and McLaren junior driver’s age, nationality, stats and more

But according to journalist Christian Menath, there is one scenario that could see him join McLaren as his team is reportedly not overly keen on taking up a seat at Sauber.

Gabriel Bortoleto could get McLaren drive if Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ‘don’t work out’

Bortoleto has been part of the McLaren Driver Development programme since last year when he won the Formula 3 championship.

While his camp has been offered a drive at Sauber, Menath says they are holding out to see what happens in 2026 when there could be other opportunities.

“As we understand it, he was offered a one-year contract [at Sauber] but doesn’t want to accept it for a catastrophically bad car that will have no leap [in performance] expected for next year,” said Menath.

“That’s why we hear that their [Bortoleto’s] tendencies are more towards entering F1 in something more long-term.”

“Maybe there will be an opportunity at McLaren if things don’t work out between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Even if both of them are performing, we already have seen them get close this season to hitting each other.”

Contract issues for Valtteri Bottas could give Mick Schumacher hope

The question of who will get the second Sauber seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg is still up in the air this season, as senior management is not looking to rush into a scenario.

Valtteri Bottas is seen as the favourite to be retained by Sauber for the seat, with the promise of driving for the works Audi team in 2026 is something that appeals to the Finn.

READ MORE: Who is F1 reserve and Alpine WEC star Mick Schumacher? Everything to know

Sauber and Bottas are currently having problems agreeing on a contract, which may open up an opportunity for Mick Schumacher.

Reports from German media state that Schumacher has been given ‘hope’ that he could do a deal with them instead, having stated his ambitions to get back onto the F1 grid.