Gabriel Bortoleto addressed Helmut Marko directly after the Red Bull advisor labeled him a “B-tier” driver, seeking clarification in the paddock.
Sauber F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto took matters into his own hands, seeking clarification from Dr. Helmut Marko following an unflattering comment made by the Red Bull advisor.
The 20-year-old Brazilian, the reigning Formula 2 champion, was recently described by Marko in the media as a “B-tier” driver, a remark that caught Bortoleto’s attention. Despite his impressive F2 title, Marko had pointed out that Bortoleto had only secured “two wins,” adding that while the young driver is “very intelligent” and able to bring the car home, he lacked that “ultimate speed.”
In response, Bortoleto, who is managed by Fernando Alonso, wasted no time firing back. “To hear that from Helmut… he’s someone who has brought a lot of talent into Formula 1, but also some bad talent. So, he’s been right and wrong. I just hope I can prove him wrong,” he said.
Shortly after, a photo surfaced showing Bortoleto and Marko in a conversation in the paddock. It was Bortoleto who approached Marko to introduce himself personally. During their discussion, Marko explained that his words had been misinterpreted, claiming that what was reported in the press was “worse than what he actually said at the time” and reaffirming his belief that Bortoleto was “a very intelligent driver.”
The situation was clarified with no hard feelings. “Everything is fine. And no, he hasn’t offered me any position. I have a long-term contract with Audi, just to be clear,” Bortoleto confirmed.
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Sauber’s Bortoleto Seeks Clarity After Marko’s Criticism
Sauber’s Bortoleto Seeks Clarity After Marko’s Criticism