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Introducing Gabriel Bortoleto: A Rising Star in Formula 1
The world of Formula 1 is set to witness the debut of Gabriel Bortoleto, a promising talent who has recently signed with the Sauber team for the 2025 season. At just 20 years old, Bortoleto hails from São Paulo and has already carved out an impressive career in junior motorsport.
Following in the footsteps of renowned drivers such as Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri, Bortoleto enters Formula 1 after winning consecutive championships in both Formula 3 and Formula 2—the latter of which was formerly known as GP3 during the tenure of Leclerc and Russell. His journey began at the age of 13 when he moved to Italy, where he trained under coach Francesco di Mauro and competed in Italian Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European championship.
Financially supported by a wealthy background, Bortoleto’s family has deep roots in Brazil’s telecommunications sector, with his father, Lincoln Oliveira, amassing significant wealth in the 1990s. The family is also known to have ties with Felipe Nasr, Brazil’s latest Formula 1 debutant who made his entry with Sauber in 2015, indicating a legacy of support within the single-seater community.
Since 2023, Bortoleto has been managed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 company, which played a crucial role in securing his position with the Trident team. During his tenure in Formula 3, he finished the season with two wins and a pole position. This momentum continued as he secured the Formula 2 title in 2024 with the Invicta squad, accumulating similar statistics while consistently scoring points, even amid rival setbacks.
Towards the end of 2024, Bortoleto caught the attention of McLaren, who recognized his potential and agreed to release him from his junior driver status after Sauber expressed interest as they transitioned to an Audi-backed future. With no openings at McLaren until at least 2026, Bortoleto seized the opportunity to advance his career.
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, praised Bortoleto’s character and dedication, calling him “humble” and “not at all arrogant,” especially during a challenging start to the 2024 F2 season. In contrast, Alonso expressed a more outspoken take, stating at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that, among the new crop of talented rookies, Bortoleto stood out as the best.
At a recent F175 Live event in London, Bortoleto shared his approach to introducing himself to the F1 audience, saying, “I try to be myself as much as I can. I don’t try to be different.” He further expressed his commitment to hard work and dedication, emphasizing that his rigorous training and collaborative efforts with his team will continue as he steps into Formula 1.
Bortoleto’s rapport with his new teammate Nico Hulkenberg has been promising. The two have connected over initial sponsor commitments, and Hulkenberg noted Bortoleto’s impressive speed during Bahrain testing, highlighting his ability to learn quickly. Bortoleto also voiced his concerns about the upcoming changes to the 2025 Testing of Previous Cars rules, which could pose unique challenges for rookies like him, demonstrating a level of maturity beyond his years.
Stepping into the high-pressure arena of Formula 1, Bortoleto carries the hopes of motorsport enthusiasts in Brazil, especially following the unexpected success of his compatriot Franco Colapinto last year. With Sauber facing potential difficulties in the upcoming season, Bortoleto may find opportunities to make mistakes away from intense media scrutiny. However, strong performances against seasoned drivers like Hulkenberg could lay the groundwork for a successful F1 career.
Ultimately, Gabriel Bortoleto arrives in Formula 1 as a capable racer and a young man of wealth, aiming to inspire his home country through his passion for racing and vivacious personality. His story, reminiscent of the great Ayrton Senna, is beginning to unfold, and fans are eager to follow his journey.
Source
www.motorsport.com