Bortoleto had to wait to discover his fate for 2025. Sauber announced the signing of Nico Hulkenberg at the beginning of the year, but both Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas were battling hard for extensions, while Mick Schumacher and Franco Colapinto were considered outside contenders.

Fernando Alonso believes Aston Martin can win the F1 world championship in 2026 as the Spaniard “dreams” of a third world title. The 43-year-old won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 but has endured seasons of frustration since,