Fernando Alonso has voiced that Gabriel Bortoleto has not received the recognition he deserves following the Hungarian Grand Prix, a sentiment that holds true for much of the Brazilian’s first season in Formula 1. The reigning Formula 2 Champion has quietly delivered impressive performances since joining the grid, establishing himself as the standout rookie so far. This article explores why Gabriel Bortoleto Formula 1 Rookie campaign should command more attention in 2025.
Bortoleto benefits from mentorship under Alonso’s management firm, A14, which has played a significant role in his development. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Bortoleto qualified seventh driving for Sauber, then finished the race in sixth place—just one position behind his mentor Alonso. Despite this remarkable result, the response from media and fans was surprisingly muted.
Alonso praised Bortoleto’s consistency and racecraft, stating,
“He commits few errors, always putting pressure,”
and described him as
“the best rookie of this generation.”
Alonso added,
“If he was English, or something, and finished sixth in a Sauber, he’d be in all the news. What he does is exceptional.”
A Quiet Start Despite a Strong Racing Pedigree
Entering the 2025 season, Bortoleto was among the least discussed rookies, which is unusual considering his back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2, a feat previously achieved only by drivers like George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri, all of whom have gone on to win multiple Grand Prix races.
Part of this understated reception may come from Sauber’s modest expectations as a team, which initially dampened the spotlight on its drivers. However, since Jonathan Wheatley’s appointment as team principal, Sauber has shown notable improvement, and Bortoleto has been integral to this progress. He has scored points in three of his last four races, with sixth place in Hungary standing out as his most impressive achievement to date.
That performance particularly highlighted his emerging rivalry with teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who only recently scored his first podium at Silverstone after many years in Formula 1. Despite Hulkenberg’s experience, Bortoleto has frequently outpaced him, finishing ahead in three of the last four races. For a rookie enduring the early-season challenges of Sauber’s development, this resilience is noteworthy.
Insights from Team Management on Bortoleto’s Potential
Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s team boss, expresses high regard for the partnership between Bortoleto and Hulkenberg, describing it as
“the closest, most collaborative driver pairing, I think I can even remember in all my time in Formula 1.”
Wheatley highlights Bortoleto’s dedication and learning ability, saying,
“Gabriel has a fantastic work ethic. He has a capacity for taking on new information. He’s proving every way to be the future star that we expected him to be, and Nico is part of that journey with him.”
Wheatley further acknowledged Hulkenberg’s value, noting,
“On the other side of the engineering table, you’ve got this extraordinary experience and Nico’s proven talent.”
This dynamic seems to be fostering growth for both drivers within Sauber’s evolving environment.
Looking Ahead: Bortoleto’s Rising Profile Among F1 Rookies
While many have their eyes on Isack Hadjar as the rookie to watch this season, Gabriel Bortoleto is steadily making a strong case for himself as the standout newcomer. At just 20 years old and backed by Sauber’s improving competitiveness, Bortoleto’s performances suggest he is poised for a promising future in Formula 1.
With the next stages of the 2025 season approaching, fans and analysts alike should keep a close watch on this Brazilian driver. His rapid adaptation and growing inter-team competition with Hulkenberg indicate a compelling storyline for Sauber and the wider Formula 1 community. As Audi prepares for future campaigns, the combination of Bortoleto’s talent and Hulkenberg’s experience ensures the team’s driver lineup remains in capable hands.