Rising Star Gabriel Bortoleto: A Rookie Season Filled with Lessons and Promise in F1
In an exhilarating debut season, Gabriel Bortoleto has made waves in Formula 1, driving for Sauber after clinching the Formula 2 championship in 2024. While the first half of the season was a harsh learning curve, the Brazilian rookie showcased his undeniable talent and potential against seasoned teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Despite Sauber’s struggles with competitiveness, Bortoleto managed to contribute significantly, racking up 19 points, with a standout sixth-place finish in Hungary marking the pinnacle of his rookie campaign.
Reflecting on his journey, Bortoleto has shared insights into his growth as a driver over the past year. “On the racing side, it’s the technical side of things,” he revealed during a media session in Abu Dhabi. The young driver highlighted the immense knowledge he gained, stating, “The amount of information I got through the year and the learning I received from the engineers was great.” Bortoleto candidly admitted that during the previous year’s postseason tests, he felt lost, lacking clarity about his needs from the car. “I basically didn’t know anything,” he confessed, emphasizing how far he has come.
One of the most impressive aspects of Bortoleto’s performance was his qualifying prowess. He finished the season with an equal split of qualifying results against Hulkenberg—12-12 in Grand Prix sessions and an even 3-3 in Sprint Qualifying. This achievement is remarkable, especially given Hulkenberg’s extensive experience in F1. Bortoleto proudly noted, “There was a period where I was ahead of him every quali,” showcasing his ability to extract maximum performance from the car.
Sauber’s team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, praised Bortoleto’s impressive rookie performance, expressing confidence in his trajectory. “He’s doing everything right, and he’s on schedule,” Wheatley stated, highlighting how Bortoleto is building a solid engineering team and understanding the intricacies of the car. Wheatley acknowledged the challenges of being a young driver in F1, noting, “He’s tempering his frustration and understands that the team’s on a journey.” His assessment of Bortoleto’s rookie season? “It’s a pretty outstanding season.”
As Bortoleto looks ahead to his second year, expectations are sky-high, especially with the arrival of Audi as the new owner of Sauber. While the pressure to perform will undoubtedly increase, Bortoleto remains grounded and ready to embrace the challenges that come with a new project. “It was obviously a rookie season,” he explained, acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead. “There are still gaps, and it keeps increasing,” he admitted, noting the vast experience of veteran drivers in the field.
With Audi’s entry into F1, Bortoleto is aware of the responsibilities that come with it. “There will definitely be more responsibilities to take and to do,” he stated, reflecting on the ambitious plans for the future, including the development of a competitive car and power unit. The young driver is keenly aware of the journey ahead, stating confidently, “It’s the start of a project, and a new generation of cars.”
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Gabriel Bortoleto. With a remarkable rookie season under his belt and a bright future ahead, he stands poised to make an indelible mark on the world of Formula 1. Will he rise to the occasion and lead Sauber into a new era of competitiveness? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Gabriel Bortoleto is a name to watch in the motorsport world.
