Despite having no points so far in his debut Formula 1 campaign, Gabriel Bortoleto continues to receive strong backing from Sauber as he navigates his rookie F1 season. While his teammate Nico Hulkenberg has accumulated 20 points, the team remains patient, focusing on Bortoleto’s development and ongoing car improvements.

Bortoleto is one of only three drivers without points, alongside Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, neither of whom have completed the full season. This context helps explain why Sauber is willing to nurture Bortoleto’s talent despite an early lack of scoring results.

Challenges on track and admiration for Hulkenberg’s expertise

Bortoleto openly admires his experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who has delivered consistent performances throughout the season. After the Canadian Grand Prix, Bortoleto expressed respect for Hulkenberg’s skill in handling difficult race conditions.

“He’s taking out of the car more than he actually should be,”

Bortoleto said.

I think he’s an excellent driver. And I really admire everything he’s doing – because I think it’s impressive.

—Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber driver

This appreciation highlights Bortoleto’s recognition of the learning curve he faces in adapting to Formula 1’s demanding race environment.

Sauber’s approach to team stability and future ambitions

At a time when several rival teams are rumored to be lining up replacement drivers during a tough season, Sauber’s leadership is focused on long-term growth. The team is currently transitioning towards becoming Audi’s factory outfit in 2024, following a period of internal changes. Sauber appears focused on addressing technical and performance issues carefully, without rushing decisions regarding driver line-ups.

The organization is methodically tackling problems, signaling a steady development path that benefits both the team and its young driver.

Technical hurdles restricting Sauber’s competitiveness

Although Hulkenberg scored points in the season opener in Australia, this was largely due to smart tyre choices rather than outright car performance. The Sauber C45 struggles significantly with airflow separation particularly when following other cars closely, limiting downforce and overall pace in traffic.

Bortoleto described the difficulties he faces in races like China, citing physical discomfort and aerodynamic challenges.

“One of the easiest tracks to overtake of the season and it’s just so tough,”

he said.

I cannot be too close to the car ahead. I lose downforce. I just cannot follow very close, and then it’s impossible to overtake.

—Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber driver

These aerodynamic issues reduce overtaking opportunities and affect Bortoleto’s race progression, hampering his ability to score points despite his evident speed.

Mid-season car upgrades aimed at improved drivability

Rather than assigning blame on drivers, Sauber focused on solving their car’s inherent problems with targeted technical upgrades. The Spanish Grand Prix delivered a significant refresh that included a new floor, front wing, and modifications around the engine cover and the “Coke bottle” area behind the rear wheels.

Sporting director Inaki Rueda outlined the goal was to enhance drivability rather than aim for higher maximum downforce, which previously resulted in an unstable, hard-to-drive car.

“It’s very common that as you put downforce on, you get a more peaky profile,”

Rueda explained.

So you usually get to a point that you get a car that is decent, let’s say, but is undriveable in tricky conditions. It is a point that was highlighted at the start of the season, on our first test with this car. And this is hopefully the fix for that.

—Inaki Rueda, Sauber Sporting Director

These upgrades aimed to create a balance where the car performs more consistently across varying conditions, allowing drivers to push harder without excessive instability.

Race day execution marks a gap between Bortoleto and Hulkenberg

While Bortoleto has shown impressive speed qualifying, outpacing Hulkenberg several times, race pace and strategy execution remain areas for growth. Errors such as a spin in wet conditions in Australia, a poor start in Japan, and losing track position after the safety car in Spain highlight the experiential gap.

Team principal Mattia Binotto’s decision to select Bortoleto over more established drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu reflected confidence in the rookie’s raw speed. However, turning this potential into consistent race results requires further development, particularly in racecraft and tactical decision-making.

Bortoleto has demonstrated a willingness to learn, even traveling to Sauber’s factory between races for debrief sessions with Binotto, showing commitment to improving his race day performances.

Hulkenberg’s racecraft underscores the value of experience

The contrast between Hulkenberg’s and Bortoleto’s race acumen is especially clear in how the German leverages experience on track. For example, in Montreal, Hulkenberg capitalized on a battle unfolding ahead between Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon, anticipating the result of their tussle and positioning himself advantageously.

Experience allows Hulkenberg to make split-second strategic calls, establish track position early, and exploit opportunities while Bortoleto is still developing that sense of timing and race dynamics.

Bortoleto acknowledged this knowledge gap openly, saying:

“You see the race in a different way – that I’m not able yet to see,”

and added,

I think he’s very good at doing this. So I think I’m learning from him. Hopefully I can do the same steps he’s doing right now and start scoring some points for the team.

—Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber driver

Sauber’s patient strategy focuses on long-term growth

The team’s calm and consistent approach reflects a commitment to nurturing talent rather than rushing results, with the ongoing upgrade programs providing a clearer path forward. Bortoleto’s rookie year might not yet show points on the board, but the experience and development he’s gaining lay a foundation for future success.

As Sauber prepares to become Audi’s factory team next season, the improvements in car performance combined with Bortoleto’s evolving racecraft are key factors to watch. The team’s strategy emphasizes stability and development, suggesting that patience and persistence will eventually translate into tangible results for the rookie driver’s Formula 1 journey.