Two candidates left for Audi seat: veteran vs. surprising new name

RacingNews365 understands that Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto has entered the race for the vacant Stake F1/Audi seat.

The talented Brazilian is the reigning Formula 3 champion and currently sits second in the F2 drivers' standings, catching the attention of Audi. 

Bortoleto is part of McLaren's junior programme but with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri having recently extended their contracts, the Woking-based team is unlikely to have a spot for the 19-year-old in the near future.

He is in talks with Stake F1 about a potential move, whilst his management team spoke to McLaren during the recent Belgian Grand Prix.

However, Bortoleto is not the only driver vying for the vacant spot alongside Nico Hulkenberg, as Valtteri Bottas remains a contender.

Williams is no longer an option for the F1 veteran after Carlos Sainz signed a multi-year deal to replace Logan Sargeant next season.

It was expected that a contract extension would not be offered to the Finnish driver, but was told ahead of the Belgian GP that he remains an option for Stake F1 next year.

Who will make Audi decisions?

What is in Bortoleto's favour is that several teams are partnering a rookie alongside an experienced F1 driver next season. 

Haas has signed Esteban Ocon and F2's Oliver Bearman, whilst Alpine junior Jack Doohan is looking increasingly set to partner Pierre Gasly. Mercedes is looking likely to follow this pattern, with its teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli still being the favourite to replace Lewis Hamilton.

For now, however, it is not yet clear who is preferred by Audi. A further question to be answered by the German manufacturer is which senior figure will make the final decision over driver signings?

Andreas Seidl recently departed Audi and has been replaced by former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, who is now Audi's chief operating and chief technical officer. 

At the same time, Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has been signed as Audi's team principal from 2026 and will presumably want some input. A driver that Wheatley, of course, knows is Liam Lawson.

RacingNews365 knows that the Red Bull reserve driver was in close contact with Seidl about a seat at Audi/Stake F1 in 2025, but now the new management seems to have little interest in his services. Lawson's best hopes for F1 next season seems to be an in-house promotion.

Could Wheatley's presence change that?