Kick Sauber confirm Hulkenberg and Bortoleto to run in post-season test

Dec 06, 2024 9:56am UTC

Kick Sauber have confirmed that their new 2025 driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will run in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, which will follow the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg will join the Swiss outfit after spending the last two seasons at Haas, helping to reinstate them as a consistent midfield team that is currently embroiled in a battle for P6 with Alpine.

His future Sauber team mate is Formula 2’s Gabriel Bortoleto, a former McLaren junior driver who enters the Abu Dhabi weekend with a slim 0.5-point lead over Isack Hadjar at the top of the standings.

Replacing outgoing drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the pair were signed in preparation for Audi’s 2026 takeover of Sauber, when they will hope to take full advantage of the sweeping regulation changes.

Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas talk on the fan stage prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 29, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Zhou scored Sauber's first points of 2024 last time out in Qatar

Before the on-track action kicked off at Yas Marina on Friday, Sauber announced the news as COO and CTO Mattia Binotto said: “This is an important first step for both Nico and Gabriel as they integrate into the team.

“For Nico, this is a chance to get a feel for the car and begin the close collaboration with our engineers ahead of what promises to be a very busy 2025 season.

F2: Gabriel Bortoleto vs Isack Hadjar – the closest title fight in history

“For Gabriel, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, familiarise himself with Formula 1 machinery with its complex procedures, and take the first steps in his development at the highest level of motorsport.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both in action and starting our journey together.”

Gabriel Bortoleto looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of Round 12 Baku of the Formula 2 Championship at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Joe Portlock - Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images)

Bortoleto won the 2023 Formula 3 championship in his first season

The duo join a comprehensive list of drivers making their maiden appearances for their 2025 teams – Carlos Sainz will drive for Williams, Esteban Ocon will get an outing with Haas, and although Yuki Tsunoda has a contract with RB, he will be given the chance to drive for Red Bull in the test on Tuesday, December 10.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton will have to wait until next year for his official Ferrari debut as Toto Wolff explained that Mercedes wanted to focus on giving the seven-time world champion a deserved farewell.