Bortoleto part of a generational shift in F1

LONDON : Sauber's signing of Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto means at least a fifth of the 20 driver Formula One grid will be starting a first full season in 2025 with a new wave of young talent coming up fast.

"We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact," said Sauber Motorsport chairman and Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner in a statement announcing Bortoleto's arrival.

Bortoleto, 20, will be lining up against fellow rookies Kimi Antonelli (18), Oliver Bearman (19) and Jack Doohan (21) who have secured seats at Mercedes, Haas and Renault-owned Alpine respectively.

Liam Lawson (22), a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo (35) at RB this season, looks set to get the nod for a full-time seat while Franco Colapinto (21) is another stand-in who has impressed for Williams.

If Sergio Perez (34) were to be dropped by Red Bull at the end of the year, despite the Mexican having a contract, then one could imagine a further shuffle with Colapinto securing a seat somewhere.

Red Bull also have French-Algerian F2 title contender Isack Hadjar (20) on their books.

The sport still has seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton (39), double champion Fernando Alonso (43) and Nico Hulkenberg (37) but they are now outliers rather than leaders of any longevity trend.

The graduation of Formula Two youngsters is a change from past years, when some F2 champions failed to secure seats, but does not surprise those who keep a close watch on the junior ranks.

The success of Ferrari academy product Bearman, Red Bull young driver Lawson and Colapinto - all of whom have scored points this season as replacement race drivers - has opened eyes and convinced those who might have had doubts.

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