Pilots in the realm of Formula 1 generally maintain a forward-thinking mindset, prioritizing enhancements to solidify their standing on the grid, a position achieved through considerable effort.
Recognition of prior accomplishments often emerges subsequently, occasionally following the conclusion of their racing careers. Gabriel Bortoleto stands as a noteworthy exception. At the age of 20, his early years are evident, yet they are accompanied by profound insights and observations that defy his relatively young age.
There is undeniably much to contemplate, as it is challenging to overstate the degree to which Bortoleto’s existence has undergone transformation in the preceding couple of years. Just a couple of years prior, the Brazilian competitor had not yet secured a single-seater title, while en route to initiating that achievement in the 2023 FIA F3 championship.
That triumph at Monza facilitated a metamorphosis in the trajectory of the erstwhile McLaren protege, facilitating a similarly prosperous elevation to F2, which he secured at the initial attempt the preceding year, thereby rendering him sufficiently appealing for Sauber to extricate him from the papaya racing establishment.
Bortoleto, coexisting with F2 title contender Isack Hadjar, remained somewhat inconspicuous amidst the extensive F1 2025 rookie cohort, with considerable focus directed towards Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and the remarkable Ferrari temporary driver, Oliver Bearman.
Hadjar swiftly garnered acclaim through his instantaneous aptitude, and Bortoleto has since received the opportunity to substantiate his capabilities with an appreciably enhanced Sauber. However, while maintaining his sights on notably loftier aspirations than a sixth-place outcome at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he remains cognizant of his fortunate position.
“I am a joyful individual, appreciative of my current experiences and the prospects I have been presented with,” Bortoleto expressed to Autosport.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
“I am acquainted with numerous individuals who are entirely competent and merit an opportunity within Formula 1, talented individuals who would undertake any measure to occupy my present situation, a consideration I frequently ponder. It compels me to diligently pursue my objectives, dedicating myself to every undertaking to optimize the opportunity afforded to me.”
“The singular recourse involved assuming a proactive stance”
At the age of 12, Bortoleto relocated from his indigenous Brazil to Desenzano sul Garda in Italy, wherein he cultivated a prosperous karting vocation prior to transitioning towards single-seaters. Nevertheless, the expedition was fraught with impediments.
“There existed challenging episodes,” he acknowledged. “In 2022 (the annum in which Bortoleto participated in his sophomore season in Formula Regional), I encountered numerous complications with the propulsion systems; however, these predicaments were not publicly disseminated.
“On that particular juncture, I surmised that the sole recourse entailed assuming a proactive stance and endeavoring to compensate where feasible. There existed no justification for proffering justifications, and presently, in retrospect, I acknowledge that the circumstance rendered me a more resilient driver and individual. I channeled my entirety of energy into facets susceptible to amelioration, necessitating the acquisition of tenths where viable, and I posit that I developed. My conviction was substantiated upon the resolution of the technical discrepancies.
“Subsequent to the rectification of all issues, I commenced prevailing, and the culmination of the season proved exceedingly favorable. However, the paramount corroboration materialized during my inaugural evaluation at the helm of a Formula 3 single-seater. I journeyed to Jerez with the Trident collective. Having never piloted an automobile possessing that magnitude of power hitherto, I discovered myself in the vanguard, commanding a half-second advantage over my proximal adversary.
“Everything transpired spontaneously, encompassing the rapport with the vehicle and the reciprocal association with the engineers, and on that given day, I apprehended my capacity for exceptional performance, an actuality that materialized in the ensuing season upon my securing the title.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
The year 2022 similarly represented a pivotal juncture extrinsically, subsequent to the induction of two-time F1 global titlist Fernando Alonso and his A14 management personnel.
“Fernando affiliated in mid-2022, constituting a notably substantive stride, a substantial surplus valuation. In 2023, I matriculated into Formula 3, contending in Formula 1 weekends for the inaugural occasion. Upon initially entering the venue, I discerned that my racing would occur under the scrutiny of all principal Formula 1 factions; hence, I solicited counsel from Fernando pertaining to the administration of the racing weekend, the accompanying strain, anticipations, and sundry supplemental considerations.
“An individual may conjecture that an entity as preoccupied as Alonso would lack the requisite temporal capacity; however, I can attest that he consistently identified such junctures, perhaps relinquishing his intermissions, and I regard his willingness to aid as remarkably laudable and, undeniably, a substantial surplus valuation.”
Ultimately, there subsists no substitute for triumph to expedite a career trajectory. Abruptly, Bortoleto transitioned into one of the youthful drivers under surveillance by F1 contingents, encompassing one of the sport’s dominant entities.
“Following a propitious commencement in 2023, characterized by victories in the preliminary two feature races, I received a telephonic communication from Emanuele Pirro one day,” Bortoleto recollected. “I had previously collaborated in F4 with his progeny, Goffredo, who served as my engineer; however, I had never encountered Emanuele, nor was I cognizant of his responsibilities at McLaren at that juncture, specifically his role as the head of the youthful driver program.
“I vividly recall the telephonic exchange, and I was genuinely astounded. Emanuele evidenced himself to be an exemplary individual. The compilation of the contractual documentation necessitated a protracted duration; however, eventually, I emerged as the inaugural driver to formally enlist in the program.”
Gabriel Bortoleto, Andrea Stella, McLaren, Emanuele Pirro, Director, McLaren Driver Development programme
Photo by: McLaren
Consequent to his expedited ascent to the apex of F2, Bortoleto even engendered surprise amongst McLaren personnel. At the terminus of 2024, it fortuitously possessed the novel F2 laureate within its organizational structure, sans the assurance of a forthcoming placement in the proximate or intermediate temporality.
“McLaren has consistently maintained transparency in its dealings with me, delineating that they would not constitute an impediment should an opportunity to contend in F1 materialize,” Bortoleto disclosed.
“Following my conquest in F2, they lacked an extant seat, Oscar [Piastri] and Lando [Norris] being youthful, exceedingly competent, and governed by protracted contractual stipulations. Consequently, upon apprehending the prospect at Sauber, they honored their commitment and effectuated my release.”
“Upon observing Nico hoisting the trophy, I avowed to myself, ‘I similarly aspire to that vantage point’”
Bortoleto represents a sagacious acquisition on the part of Sauber commander Mattia Binotto, who is facilitating preparations for Audi’s formal introduction in 2026. Parallel to the squad’s preparatory measures concerning the forthcoming metamorphosis surreptitiously, Bortoleto is accorded an adaptation annum in 2025, under conditions of diminished strain and tempered anticipations, premised upon the aspiration of exemplary performance during the novel regulations era.
In theory, the construct constitutes an idyllic scenario for a neophyte, as Mercedes similarly implemented with Antonelli. Nevertheless, a lackadaisical commencement to the 2025 season rendered it onerous for Bortoleto to accrue any semblance of impetus, as Sauber protracted its pursuit of its preliminary points of the season utilizing a recalcitrant vehicle.
“The initiation of the championship sequence proved arduous,” he elucidated. “Internally, my contribution has consistently been appraised positively; however, emanating from a foundation of dual championship victories, encountering myself embroiled in contention at the nadir of the standings imposed a mentally disconcerting circumstance to reconcile. Ambition invariably proves challenging to regulate; however, progressively, on a race-by-race gradation, the scenario improved considerably, whereupon I discerned myself situated within the uppermost decile, thereby inducing an exultant sentiment.
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
“In contradistinction to the inception of the season, we have effected a momentous advancement. There existed instances wherein we occupied the rearmost echelon of the grid; nevertheless, the prevailing scenario has undeniably ameliorated. Conceivably, the attainment of points will not be feasible at each venue; however, I surmise that we shall remain in contention at the majority of them.”
A preliminary sequence of auspicious results for Sauber similarly elicited Bortoleto’s intrinsic disposition, as he functioned as one of the paramount exponents of team-mate Nico Hulkenberg’s protracted inaugural F1 platform appearance at the British Grand Prix. Arguably, the duo established a harmonious vocational rapport notwithstanding their 17-year divergence in age.
“Nico embodies an exceptional individual and a superlative driver. Upon his surmounting the finish line in the third position at Silverstone, it engendered a profoundly emotional atmosphere,” Bortoleto explicated.
“He furnishes me with considerable assistance. I have assimilated, and persist in assimilating, substantially from him, and when one sustains a favorable rapport with an individual, I conjecture that the conveyance of a modicum of their jubilation transpires spontaneously; hence, it transpired naturally to station myself proximate to the platform to commemorate with him.
“He executed a commendable race, implemented judicious determinations, and attained a well-deserved outcome, and I desired to be present at that juncture to extol him. Upon observing Nico hoisting the trophy, I avowed to myself, ‘I shall dedicate my aggregate faculties; I similarly aspire to that vantage point’. That depiction motivated me.”
“Max Verstappen has furnished me with substantial assistance during my initial F3 season. We convene through digital channels, engage in recreational activities, and deliberate upon multifarious subjects”
The character-building 2022 initiative facilitated the configuration of Bortoleto’s disposition. Amongst the aggregate of the 2025 neophytes, he arrived at the initiation possessing the fewest kilometers of preparatory assessments, demonstrably; nevertheless, it remains an aspect he shall never spontaneously introduce as a justification.
