Experienced hands or a rapid rookie – who’s in the frame for the vacant Sauber seat?

Talks have been on-going between the two parties, with Sauber/Audi believed to have expressed a very strong interest in taking him on next year on a long-term deal.

However, they are not keen on a loan arrangement and instead would want to sign Bortoleto outright.

As it stands, Bortoleto is pondering whether he wants to stick with McLaren, who have emerged as the strongest force in F1 but don’t have a spare race seat for the foreseeable future or join Sauber/Audi knowing that it’ll be an uphill battle early on given they are currently bottom of the constructors’ standings.

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Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto has been linked with the Sauber/Audi seat, too, with his Williams boss James Vowles having spoken to the team about taking the Argentine on next year as there’s no space for him to stay at Grove.

Talks aren’t believed to have progressed to the level of those with Bottas and Bortoleto, with Williams not keen to release him from their stable. They would instead prefer a loan arrangement.

This isn’t as appealing to Sauber/Audi, however, he remains in play.