F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto reflects on his promising F1 debut, confident in Sauber’s Audi-backed project despite tough early results.
Gabriel Bortoleto has yet to score any points, but the Brazilian is having a very respectable rookie season with Sauber.
Often outperforming his experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg more frequently than expected, the F2 and F3 champion is showing clear signs of strong potential, a promising sign for next year.
“I’m quite happy with what I’ve done this year. But obviously, it’s not the position we want to be in,” Bortoleto told Crash.net.
“We believe we deserve to at least be fighting for points, but as a team, we’re not there yet. Still, I’m quite happy with what I’ve done.”
How would he rate his first third of the year?
“8.5 or 9 out of 10,” he replied bluntly.
However, the rookie has already identified his weakness: race conditions.
“I’ve been very strong in qualifying sessions. I still need to improve in races, to better understand situations under race conditions throughout the Grand Prix.”
“But that comes with experience, and I’ll get there. So far, it’s been very good. I have pretty decent pace, which makes me happy.”
“I’m not struggling with that at the moment, and I hope we can keep it that way. And when we have a competitive car, we’ll fight for bigger things.”
Asked about the biggest challenge in moving from F2 to F1, Bortoleto didn’t necessarily point to driving the cars themselves. Instead, it was everything surrounding the sport.
“Managing everything that Formula 1 is—that’s my biggest difficulty!”
“There are so many things. So many things involved. You need to save energy throughout the weekends. The weekends here are quite busy.”
“There are so many media obligations, so many events for the team’s sponsors. A lot of information and data to analyze, more than in F2.”
“Many different things in Formula 1, but I’m getting used to it.”
Not Frustrated by Running at the Back?
Having racked up podiums last year in F2—and two years ago in F3—doesn’t it frustrate Gabriel Bortoleto to be running mostly mid-pack at best?
“When you’re fighting for wins, you get used to that feeling, and it’s addictive…”
“It’s a feeling you never want to lose, because winning is amazing. It shows you’re doing a great job.”
“When you’re not winning, it just feels like something’s always missing. In our current position, we’re far from winning and still have many steps to take to get there.”
“But what gives me confidence for the future is the project we have ahead with Audi and everything we can achieve as a team, with Nico [Hülkenberg] next year.”
“I’m really excited about that and looking forward to winning again someday, hopefully soon, and feeling what it’s like to jump on the car and celebrate something big.”
Bortoleto beat Isack Hadjar to the F2 title last year and also finished well ahead of Kimi Antonelli… but this year, the positions are reversed. Is that deeply frustrating?
“I’m not going to say it’s frustrating because I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in Formula 1,” he responded with perspective.
“There are so many drivers who would love to be in my place right now, no matter where they’d finish the race. So it’s not frustrating.”
“But it is hard to see all the guys you’ve raced against your whole life—guys I competed with last year and the year before and beat.”
“I’m happy for them because it proves that I beat those people and they’re doing well in Formula 1. They’re great drivers, and I really admire them. And I know I can do it too.”
“It’s just about being patient. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned this year, being patient and waiting because my time will come.”
“Having tough years is definitely necessary to become a better driver and a better person,” Bortoleto added with perspective.
“If I could, I’d already be fighting for podiums, for wins, or at least for points more consistently. But that’s not the case yet.”
Bortoleto, the New George Russell?
Gabriel Bortoleto finally draws an interesting parallel with George Russell’s first year at Williams F1. Is Russell a model for him?
“George Russell had a very tough first year—I don’t think he scored a single point—and look where he is now. People don’t remember that.”
“What matters is that one day I reach that level, and then I’ll be happy with where I am.”
