Gabriel Bortoleto on his ‘dream’ F1 deal, Alonso’s guidance + racing for Brazil
Nov 11, 2024
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Gabriel Bortoleto, Brazil's newest F1 driver, shares his thrilling journey to Sauber in 2025. He discusses the significance of his debut for Brazil and the challenges young drivers face in the fast-paced sport. With insights from two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, Bortoleto reflects on mentorship, pressure, and the future of his Formula 2 title chase. The dynamics of driver selections also come into play as he navigates the competitive landscape, impacting other drivers like Valtteri Bottas. Expect excitement as Brazil gets back in the F1 spotlight!
Gabriel Bortoleto's transition to Formula One with Sauber symbolizes Brazil's return to F1 representation since Felipe Massa's retirement in 2017.
Fernando Alonso's mentorship has significantly influenced Bortoleto's racing development, aiding his understanding of complex racing dynamics and media scrutiny.
Deep dives
Gabriel Bortoleto's Journey to Formula One
Gabriel Bortoleto, starting from 22nd position, achieved a remarkable victory at Monza, showcasing his potential as he prepares for his Formula One debut with Sauber in 2025. This marks a significant milestone for Brazil, as he becomes the country's first full-time driver in F1 since Felipe Massa's retirement in 2017. Bortoleto expressed his pride and gratitude for this opportunity, emphasizing that his long-standing dream of competing in F1 is finally becoming a reality. His success in Formula 3 and current position as a title contender in Formula 2 highlight his remarkable talent and persistence in pursuing his racing career.
Insights on Bortoleto's Preparation and Strategy
Bortoleto's approach to racing is characterized by a strategic mindset that goes beyond mere performance; he actively studies championship dynamics to maximize his results. Experienced former driver Luciano Berti noted Bortoleto's intellectual approach, indicating that he not only focuses on driving fast but also plans meticulously for the season ahead. This level of maturity and foresight has impressed many, as he has successfully navigated both the pressures of competition and the learning curve inherent in racing. Bortoleto's focus on consistency and adaptability has proven essential as he deals with various challenges throughout the racing season.
Challenges Facing Bortoleto in Formula One
Transitioning to Formula One presents unique challenges for rookie drivers, and Bortoleto is consciously aware of the expectations that come with being a Brazilian driver in the spotlight. Both Berti and Damon Hill advise that while Brazil's passionate fan base can elevate a driver's career, it can also create pressure for immediate success. Bortoleto is advised to manage these expectations and focus on his growth as he strives to improve with the Sauber team, which is undergoing its own transition. He acknowledges the pressure but intends to maintain focus on his performance and development as a driver during his first season in F1.
The Role of Fernando Alonso in Bortoleto's Career
Fernando Alonso has played a pivotal role in Bortoleto's development as a driver, providing guidance and support since they began working together in late 2022. Bortoleto has benefited from Alonso’s wealth of knowledge regarding race weekends, car setup, and how to handle media scrutiny. The insights Alonso shared during Bortoleto's time in Formula 3 aided his understanding of complex racing dynamics and helped him adjust to the pressures of competitive racing. This relationship exemplifies the importance of mentorship in motorsport and how experienced drivers can significantly impact the careers of upcoming talents.
Brazil’s newest Formula 1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto joins Tom Clarkson, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill and former Brazilian F1 racer Luciano Burti to discuss his rise to the pinnacle of motorsport with Sauber in 2025.
Why has Bortoleto chosen Sauber? Why have they chosen him? And what does this mean to fans in Brazil?
Gabriel also talks about the influence his manager, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, has had on his career, whether this announcement takes the pressure off his Formula 2 title challenge, and which driver on the current grid he admires the most.
Plus, Tom, Damon and Luciano discuss what's next for Sauber’s outgoing drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, and the impact Bortoleto’s move has on the rest of the driver market.
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars of today and yesteryear, including Luciano Burti, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid