Overview
- Bernie Ecclestone told Blick that Ferrari should "wake up" and resolve its next driver question with the Brazilian, calling Gabriel Bortoleto "worth his weight in gold."
- The 20-year-old Sauber rookie has logged points at Austria, Spa and Hungary, including a standout sixth at the Hungaroring after winning the 2024 Formula 2 title.
- Recent coverage notes Bortoleto has often qualified ahead of teammate Nico Hülkenberg, underscoring his one-lap pace in a midfield car.
- Crash reports Bortoleto is tied to Sauber and the wider Audi group through the end of 2026 as the Hinwil squad transitions to Audi's factory team.
- Ecclestone has also talked up other rookies for Ferrari, previously naming Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar as a potential option, with no formal negotiations reported.