The gears of the Formula 1 silly season have turned once more. Sauber announced that Gabriel Bortoleto will be driving for the team in 2025, alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

The 20-year-old Brazilian driver is the reigning F3 champion, and he also leads the F2 standings. Although he is a McLaren junior driver, he will be released from the program at the end of this year. Also, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will depart from Sauber after this season.

“We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, with young drivers immediately making an impact,” said Sauber chairman of the board Gernot Döller. “By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”

Times are changing in F1 as Bortoleto is the fourth rookie on the grid next season. He will be joining Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes-AMG), Jack Doohan (Alpine), and Ollie Bearman (Haas).