Gabriel Bortoleto, a promising 20-year-old rookie with Sauber, aims to follow in Ayrton Senna’s footsteps. Having achieved back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, he enters F1 with considerable support and expectations. Bortoleto’s humble demeanor and consistent performance make him a noteworthy addition to the 2025 season.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the new Sauber driver, is introduced as part of a series highlighting the upcoming rookies ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. At just 20 years old, this Brazilian from Sao Paulo has an impressive junior motorsport career, having secured consecutive championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2 on his first attempts, similar to prior successes of Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
Having moved to Italy at age 13 for his racing career, Bortoleto has also performed well in both Italian Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European championship. His family, successful in telecommunications, has strong ties to the sport, particularly with Felipe Nasr, a driver who debuted with Sauber in 2015.
Bortoleto has gained significant industry support by being managed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 company since 2023. This partnership was instrumental in his Formula 3 title victory, where he achieved two wins and one pole position. His similar performance in Formula 2 included two wins and poles as well, demonstrating a remarkable consistency in scoring points.
He was contracted with McLaren but was released for a Sauber position as the Audi squad emerged. McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, praised Bortoleto’s unassuming nature during his successful campaigns, indicating that he was “humble” and “at no point arrogant.”
Alonso expressed confidence in Bortoleto’s potential, stating, “the best is Gabriel” during a discussion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, highlighting his track performance. In addressing the media, Bortoleto emphasized the importance of being true to himself, stating, “I try to be myself as much as I can.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto’s new teammate, acknowledged their bond formed during sponsor commitments and praised him as “fast as hell” during testing. Bortoleto’s thoughtful criticism of the 2025 testing regulations showcased his maturity, even as he enters a challenging season.
As a representative of a motorsport-enthusiastic nation, Bortoleto carries high expectations, particularly after seeing the success of fellow rookie Franco Colapinto. Despite anticipated difficulties for Sauber, his performance relative to Hulkenberg could set the stage for a promising career, aligning with the inspiring legacy of Ayrton Senna.
Gabriel Bortoleto is poised to make his mark in Formula 1 as Sauber’s new driver, aiming to emulate the success of Brazilian legends such as Ayrton Senna. With an impressive track record in junior racing, support from influential figures, and an earnest character, Bortoleto enters the sport with both potential and significant expectations. His rookie season will be closely monitored as he navigates the challenges ahead, representing a new chapter in Brazil’s rich motorsport history.
Original Source: www.motorsport.com
