At just 20 years old, Gabriel Bortoleto’s ascent in the world of Formula 1 is remarkable, progressing swiftly from a Formula 3 rookie to a promising contender with Sauber. Over the past two years, his Formula 1 career path has transformed dramatically, fueled by championship victories and the backing of prominent figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Now racing in F1’s fiercely competitive 2025 rookie class, Bortoleto is focused on building momentum with Sauber while navigating the challenges of his debut season.

His rise marks a significant shift since 2023 when he won his first single-seater title in the FIA Formula 3 Championship at Monza and quickly followed that success by claiming the Formula 2 title in his debut season, achievements that caught the attention of major teams and reinvigorated his racing prospects.

Early Challenges and Determined Growth

Bortoleto’s racing journey began in Brazil but took a decisive turn when he moved to Italy at age 12, settling in Desenzano sul Garda to pursue karting. His entry into single-seater racing was not without setbacks, especially during his 2022 Formula Regional campaign where technical difficulties with the engines tested his resolve.

Reflecting on these obstacles, he said,

“The only thing to do was to roll up my sleeves and try to make up ground where possible. There was no point in making excuses, and today, looking back, I realise that that situation made me a stronger driver and a stronger person.”

He credits this period with teaching him how to maximize performance despite adversity, helping him develop crucial racing skills that later enabled him to win the F3 title.

His natural adaptation was confirmed during his first Formula 3 test with the Trident team at Jerez, where he led the session by half a second, a sign that his talent aligned perfectly with the demands of higher-powered cars.

“Everything came naturally, from the feeling with the car to the relationship with the engineers, and that day I realised that I could do very well, which is what happened the following season when I won the title,”

Bortoleto explained.

Guidance from Fernando Alonso and Key Career Milestones

Off the track, Bortoleto’s career was boosted by the involvement of two–time world champion Fernando Alonso, who became part of his management in mid-2022. Alonso’s mentorship proved essential as Bortoleto transitioned to competing during Formula 1 weekends for the first time.

On Alonso’s support, Bortoleto shared,

“One might think that someone as busy as Alonso wouldn’t have time, but I can confirm that he always found it, perhaps sacrificing his breaks, and I find his willingness to help very admirable and, of course, a great added value.”

Alonso’s advice helped Bortoleto manage the stress and expectations that come with racing under the scrutiny of F1’s top teams.

After a strong start to the 2023 season with two feature race wins, Bortoleto’s growing reputation led to a call from Emanuele Pirro, head of McLaren’s young driver programme.

“I was really surprised. Emanuele proved to be a great person. It took a while to prepare the contract, but in the end, I was the first driver to officially join the programme,”

Bortoleto recounted.

However, McLaren’s existing driver lineup, featuring Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on long-term contracts, left little room for Bortoleto to secure a race seat. After becoming the 2024 F2 champion, McLaren honored its commitment to facilitate his ascent by releasing him to Sauber, where he has a clearer path to Formula 1 racing.

“McLaren has always been very transparent with me, they made it clear that they would not be an obstacle if I had an opportunity to race in F1,”

he explained.

“After my victory in F2, they didn’t have a seat available… So when they heard about this opportunity at Sauber, they kept their word and released me.”

Adjusting to F1 and the Patience Required in Sauber’s Project

Sauber’s current strategy, shaped by team principal Mattia Binotto in preparation for Audi’s takeover in 2026, offers Bortoleto a lower-pressure environment to grow during the 2025 season before heightened expectations engage with the new regulations era.

Bortoleto faced a tough start with Sauber as the team struggled with car performance, often fighting at the lower end of the grid.

“The start of the championship was not easy,”

he admitted.

“Coming from two championship wins, finding myself fighting at the bottom of the standings was mentally difficult to accept. Ambition is always difficult to control, but then, race after race, the situation improved a lot and I found myself in the top 10, which was a great feeling.”

Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg has also played a pivotal role, with Bortoleto supporting Hulkenberg’s first F1 podium at the British Grand Prix.

“Nico is a great person and a great driver. When he crossed the finish line in third place at Silverstone, it was very emotional,”

Bortoleto said.

“He is helping me a lot. I have learned and continue to learn a lot from him… When I saw Nico lift the trophy, I said to myself, ‘Okay, I’ll give it my all, I want to be there too.’ That image motivated me.”

Hulkenberg praised the team’s progress:

“Compared to the start of the season, we’ve made a big leap forward. There were times when we were at the back of the grid, but now the situation has definitely improved.”

Bortoleto’s role in Sauber’s steady improvement illustrates his growing maturity as he navigates F1’s challenges.

The Influence of Max Verstappen and a Focused Racing Environment

A bright aspect of Bortoleto’s breakthrough is his connection with Max Verstappen, a two–time world champion whose support began during Bortoleto’s first F3 season. They bonded over virtual racing and simulators, allowing Bortoleto to refine his skills remotely through their discussions and practice sessions.

Bortoleto recounted,

“A friendship was born thanks to our shared passion for virtual racing and simulators. We started in early 2023, I was in my first F3 season and Max helped me a lot with the simulator, suggesting what to try, changes to make and so on. We meet online, him at his house, me at mine, we play, we discuss a bit of everything.”

Despite his rapid rise, Bortoleto keeps his race weekends deliberately low-key, typically accompanied only by a performance coach and his manager. This focused entourage helps him stay centered amid the pressures of competitive racing.

He explained,

“My parents would really like to follow me to the races, but they are very busy in Brazil. My father manages the Stock Car championship and has a lot to do.”

Bortoleto’s father instilled a passion for racing despite humble beginnings, having worked various jobs at circuits to be close to the sport.

“He passed on his passion to me, and we took our first steps in karting… now his son races in Formula 1, and I hope he can come to the track for the first time soon.”

Life Changes and Ambitions Beyond the Track

Following a trend among F1 drivers, Bortoleto recently moved to Monaco after leaving Milan, a change driven by the demands of racing and the need to be close to the team base. Still, his time at home remains limited due to the busy racing calendar and his dedication to integrating with Sauber’s operations in Hinwil.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much free time. In addition to traveling for race weekends, I like to spend time with the team at their headquarters in Hinwil. I think it’s important, especially when you’re a rookie and have a lot to learn and aspects to familiarise yourself with,”

he said.

As Sauber prepares to become a full factory Audi team, the next few years will be crucial both for the squad and for Bortoleto’s development as a driver. He remains cautious but ready for the challenges ahead:

“It’s difficult, if not impossible, to make predictions. We won’t know where we’ll be until we start racing on the track, but we have to be ready to fight for podiums or points.”

Looking Ahead: What Bortoleto’s Progress Means for F1

Bortoleto’s trajectory demonstrates how talent, perseverance, and strong mentorship can combine to accelerate a racing career even under intense scrutiny. Once overshadowed in the 2025 rookie class, he has quickly established himself through points finishes and steady progress, signaling that his Formula 1 career is securely underway.

The backing from legendary figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen not only provides technical guidance but also emotional support as Bortoleto navigates the pressures of F1. Meanwhile, Sauber’s patient approach offers him a structured environment to refine his skills before significant upgrades and a new engine supply come in with Audi’s full entry.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s journey from karting in Brazil to battling in the sporting spotlight of Formula 1 embodies a story of resilience, strategic growth, and the hopeful potential of a new generation arriving to leave their mark on the sport.