Two years before Audi’s F1 entry, the team is busy making headlines in the F1 world. First off, it wowed everyone by recruiting ex-Ferrari leader Mattia Binotto to join the German manufacturer. And now, Red Bull’s current Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley has announced his switch to Audi as well. So, the time and tide seem perfect for the squad to further bolster its F1 entry by selecting a dream driver team.

While Audi has lured in some big names in the Formula 1 industry to join its ambitious adventure, it has not completed the driver decisions yet. Early on, the team revealed that the current Sauber racer, Nico Hulkenberg, will continue to drive for Audi. However, Hulkenberg’s teammate Kevin Magnussen is exiting Sauber right now. In 2026, Audi will debut in Formula 1 by gaining 100% ownership of Sauber. So, whichever racer gets Magnussen’s seat will also continue to race for Audi when they make their F1 entry.

Now, there is some speculation about Audi’s interest in Valtteri Bottas. The ex-Mercedes racer has won 10 Grands Prix and comes with a vast experience in F1 spanning 11 years. However, some recent reports suggest Mattia Binotto, currently acting as the Chief Technical Officer of Audi, has made a crucial decision that will hurt Bottas’ chances of getting into his team.

As per Formu1a.uno, Mattia Binotto has taken a particular interest in ex-Formula 3 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto. The McLaren junior is currently second in the F2 Championship with a 36-point gap to frontrunner Isack Hadjar. Discarding Valtteri Bottas’ wishes to continue racing with Audi, Binotto might now lock a deal with Bortoleto so that the Brazilian joins Hulkenberg.

Audi’s new interest Gabriel Bortoleto Alonso’s apprentice

Bortoleto might be making waves in the F1 world with Mattia Binotto’s newfound interest in him. However, a Formula 1 icon had recognized his talent much before the others did. 2-time World Champion Fernando Alonso co-founded a management company for young racers in 2022 by the name of A14 Management. He had signed Bortoleto during the 19-year-old’s FRECA days and helped him get a seat at Trident in Formula 3.

Speaking of how being Alonso’s apprentice has helped him, Gabriel Bartoloto said, “I think having Fernando as a manager today was very important for me, even for getting my seat today in Trident.” And he never disappointed his boss for picking him by winning the F3 trophy in his rookie season. Soon, he moved up to Formula 2 and is now knocking on the doors of an F1 debut.

However, if Audi does go for Bartoloto on Mattia’s recommendation, Valtteri Bottas might have to retire from Formula 1 completely. Or, Sauber might hire the Finn for the 2025 season and give him a seat at Audi in the next year. So, do you think the German squad will go for Bottas’ experience or will we see a new Brazilian in F1 after the talents like Felipe Massa and Ayrton Senna?