McLaren clears path for Bortoleto's Audi negotiations

McLaren has apparently cleared the way for Gabriel Bortoleto to potentially race in Formula 1 for Audi in 2025.

Audi executives have singled out the 19-year-old Formula 1 prospect, placing him high on their shortlist to partner Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season.

However, the young Brazilian only became part of McLaren's driver development program late last year, meaning any move to Audi would require McLaren's approval.

As reported by respected Brazilian source Grande Premio, McLaren has now informed Bortoleto's team and Audi that they would agree to a loan deal under certain conditions.

"The agreement provides for a loan for at least two years and aims to prepare him for a return (to McLaren) at an opportune time," the report clarified.

Grande Premio also claims that Audi favours signing Bortoleto over current driver Valtteri Bottas for next year, especially since the team will need to cut costs once Guanyu Zhou's lucrative Chinese sponsorship ends.

Another name in the mix for Audi-Sauber's second seat is Mick Schumacher. However, several teams have already declined to bring the son of Michael Schumacher back onto the F1 grid.

German racing icon Hans-Joachim Stuck holds former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner responsible for damaging Schumacher's reputation.

"He kept criticising him for mistakes that were completely normal," Stuck shared with Eurosport.

"He (Steiner) has that on his conscience."

Stuck, 73 and a former F1 driver, acknowledges that Audi might represent Schumacher's final opportunity to rejoin Formula 1.

"Mick is not getting any younger," he noted. "But in my view, Mick has every right to get a place again."

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