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Gabriel Bortoleto Faces Challenges in Formula 1 Transition

Rookie Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto has candidly expressed that his transition from success in Formula 2 to competing at the back of the grid in Formula 1 has been more challenging than he anticipated. After triumphing in consecutive junior championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, Bortoleto earned a seat with the Audi-owned Sauber team this season.

So far, Sauber has encountered significant difficulties, struggling to escape the disappointing outcomes of its recent races. In Australia, veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg managed to secure a seventh-place finish during a tumultuous race marked by changing weather conditions. However, both Hulkenberg and Bortoleto have generally found themselves unable to contend for points positions.

Reflecting on the transition, Bortoleto acknowledged that he was prepared for a challenging rookie season but admitted that adjusting his mindset has proven to be tougher than expected. No longer consistently aiming for podiums, he now finds himself focused on the uphill battle to earn points.

“It’s very tough if I’m honest,” Bortoleto shared with Motorsport.com regarding the shift in mentality. “It’s tough because I come from two very good years in my life, where I won F3 and F2.” He noted that the difference in driving conditions and competitive dynamics was substantial. “When you’re used to winning, you think about having the possibility of winning again. But right now, that’s not the case for us.”

Bortoleto stressed the importance of realism in their current standings. “We are very realistic that we are not able to win. And for any driver – but I can say for myself – it’s very tough,” he explained. “I’m not here to be last, I’m not here to be P10. I’m here to try to win, like everyone else.”

Despite the rocky start, Bortoleto’s commitment to the Audi F1 project remains unwavering. As the company prepares for its official entry into Formula 1 with its own power unit under new regulations, he sees the long-term vision as a source of motivation. “I didn’t come to Formula 1 thinking I would be straight away fighting for race wins or podiums,” he conveyed. “The Audi F1 project, it’s an honour to be part of and it’s very clear where we want to be in the amount of years we think we can achieve that.”

He emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. “It’s all about hard-working, and keeping the head down, and work, and improving,” he stated. “Because the day that we get the opportunities to win or to secure podiums, we need to be ready for that. That’s not the case right now, but we are growing in that direction.”

Finally, Bortoleto highlighted the necessity of accepting the present situation to avoid falling into a negative mental spiral. “In my mind, I need to also accept the position we are in now. Because as soon as you start going into this loop of being too harsh on yourself or upset because you are not able to do that, I think you start performing worse and worse,” he concluded.

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