Fernando Alonso may be part of Gabriel Bortoleto’s management team through A14 Management, but he didn’t have much influence on Sauber’s decision to sign the Brazilian driver.
After months of rumors, Sauber confirmed earlier this year that 20-year-old Bortoleto would join Nico Hulkenberg in their new driver lineup for the 2025 season.
Bortoleto becomes the first driver managed by Alonso to reach F1
A couple of months ago, as Sauber was still deciding between Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher for the 2025 lineup, Alonso suggested Bortoleto as a potential candidate.
“Sauber has to make a decision,” Alonso said at the time. “Gabriel is extremely promising for everyone.”
Alonso also praised Bortoleto’s “pure talent” and emphasized the importance of placing him in the right team where he would have time to develop his skills. He mentioned that being a Brazilian F1 driver came with a lot of pressure, something Bortoleto would have to deal with carefully.
“Brazil has a lot of Formula 1 history and many great drivers. But perhaps a little too much pressure,” Alonso commented. “We have to give Gabriel time. His time in Formula 1 will come. We must not take any shortcuts that could harm his development.”
He stressed that Bortoleto needed to join F1 at the right time and be in an environment that balanced pressure with the right kind of motivation. Sauber met these criteria, and the team is expected to undergo a transition when it rebrands as Audi in 2026.
However, with Alonso’s involvement in Bortoleto’s career, some wondered if the Aston Martin driver had lobbied Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto when they met in the paddock.
Binotto responds to questions about Alonso’s influence
When asked about Alonso’s involvement, Binotto was clear with his answer. “The answer is very easy: Very little, if not nothing,” he said.
“I know Fernando well from past experience. We met in the paddock, but he never influenced [the decision]. He never tried to come to me with a convincing argument. I think what convinced me was Gabriel, nothing else. So no, with Fernando, yes, I had one chat, but really, very, very little.”
Bortoleto’s signing with Sauber marks the first time a driver from Alonso’s A14 Management has made it to Formula 1. The 20-year-old, born three years after Alonso made his F1 debut, is excited about the opportunity to race alongside the two-time World Champion.
“We always joke about it to be honest, because I was born when he started racing in Formula 1, and now I’m getting there, I’m going to drive with him,” Bortoleto said.
“Hopefully, we have a good time in F1 together. He’s been helping me a lot on my journey, teaching me many things and supporting me. I think it will be very fun, and I will have good times with him.”
Alonso started A14 Management three years ago with the goal of selecting a small group of talented young drivers from karting, providing them with the right values and support to reach their goals in motorsport.
