In a thrilling turn of events at the GP Bahrein F1, Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto faced a challenging weekend filled with ups and downs. The first race of the F1 World Championship in 2025 took place in Manama, where Bortoleto showcased promising performance during Friday’s practice sessions, finishing 11th and 13th. However, his luck took a turn for the worse during Saturday’s qualifying round, landing him in 18th place and ultimately getting eliminated in Q1.
As the race unfolded, Bortoleto found himself plummeting to 19th position right after the first corner, maneuvering skillfully to avoid a collision and settling at the back of the pack. Despite executing a strategic two-pit-stop plan on laps 13 and 32, switching between medium and hard tires, the young driver struggled with grip issues, hindering his ability to climb up the ranks. After 57 intense laps, Bortoleto crossed the finish line in 19th place, reflecting on the challenges faced throughout the race.
“It was a tough afternoon, but we did see some improvements in pace at certain moments. Overtaking proved to be the biggest challenge – as I closed in on the car ahead, I just couldn’t find the grip to make a move, especially in the corners. It’s frustrating, especially after the Safety Car restart, battling with medium tires against the hard tires of the car in front. It’s crucial to take the time to analyze everything and understand how we can enhance our performance. In the short term, the goal is to overcome a tough weekend, carry the learnings forward, and focus on Jeddah next weekend, which concludes the three-weekend competition streak,” Bortoleto expressed.
The GP Bahrein F1 delivered a whirlwind of emotions for Gabriel Bortoleto, as he navigated through setbacks and glimpses of progress on the track. With valuable lessons learned and a determined mindset, the Brazilian driver sets his sights on the upcoming challenge in Jeddah, eager to showcase his resilience and passion for racing on the global stage.
