In the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, every fraction of a second can define a driver’s legacy. Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie, has burst onto the F1 scene in 2025 with performances that outshine expectations, yet the media spotlight has largely bypassed him. Despite racing for Sauber, a team not regularly in top contention, Bortoleto’s impressive displays demand recognition.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has voiced concern about this overlooked talent, condemning the lack of respect shown to the young driver. Alonso’s comments have ignited debate within the paddock, positioning Bortoleto as a figure deserving of greater attention amid the sport’s dominant narratives surrounding stars like Max Verstappen and McLaren’s rapid ascent.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Impressive Arrival in F1
Originating from São Paulo, Gabriel Bortoleto has demonstrated a blend of calm precision and fierce determination that sets elite drivers apart. While Sauber’s car might not regularly challenge for podium finishes, Bortoleto consistently extracts the maximum from his vehicle, delivering results beyond what many expected of a newcomer. His qualifying pace is sharp, his defense and overtakes strong, and his composure under intense pressure speaks volumes about his potential at just 20 years old.
In a sport where many rookies struggle to establish themselves, Bortoleto is rewriting expectations. His performances in a midfield Sauber have often outshined those of more experienced teammates, fueling speculation that he is not simply another newcomer but a future star on a swift rise.
The Challenge of Gaining Recognition Amid F1’s Big Names
The question remains: why has Bortoleto’s rapid progress not attracted more widespread acclaim? The reality is that Formula 1’s spotlight shines brightest on drivers in top-tier teams. Media attention gravitates toward household names such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton, often leaving emerging drivers like Bortoleto in relative obscurity.
Fernando Alonso’s criticism pinpoints this dynamic, emphasizing that in an era driven by celebrity and star power, raw talent can sometimes fail to break through the noise. The struggle for recognition is not unusual for promising rookies who don’t have the backing of a leading team.
A Legacy Waiting to Be Forged
For Brazil, a country passionate about motorsport heroes since Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa, Bortoleto represents a potential new beacon. He has already shown glimpses of brilliance that hint at a lasting career rather than a fleeting presence. With an esteemed veteran like Alonso championing him publicly, the message is unmistakable: this driver is not just a promising newcomer but a formidable force in the making.
The critical question is whether the broader F1 community and fan base will acknowledge Bortoleto’s talent soon enough. If the 2025 season serves as any indication, the young racer from São Paulo will not remain unnoticed for long, signaling a significant shift in the sport’s competitive landscape.
Fernando Alonso’s Call for Greater Recognition
“What Gabriel is doing with Sauber isn’t getting the respect it deserves,”
—Fernando Alonso, Two-Time World Champion