Fernando Alonso, the man in the shadow of Gabriel Bortoleto’s F1 starting spot

Since Gabriel Bortoleto’s announcement at Sauber next year, Fernando Alonso has not hesitated to praise the qualities of the young Brazilian, describing him as pure talent. He also emphasizes the importance of providing him with a stable environment so that he can fully thrive in F1.

Despite the obvious connections between the two men, Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s director and future leader of Audi, asserts that Fernando Alonso exerted no pressure. Although they crossed paths in the paddocks on a few occasions, their exchanges remained limited: « Fernando is an excellent connoisseur of F1, but he never tried to convince me with arguments. What convinced me is Gabriel himself. We have exchanged, but very little. »

This statement shows that Alonso’s strategy is subtle: instead of imposing his protege, he lets Bortoleto prove his abilities on the track. Although his direct support has been limited, it is likely that his discreet support has had an indirect impact.

More than a mentor

For Bortoleto, Alonso’s help is not just about technical advice or connections in the paddock. We often joke about it. I started racing when he was already in F1, and now we are going to share the grid. At 20, Bortoleto is following in the footsteps of his mentor, in a mentor-student relationship that has clearly been a key factor in his rapid rise to Formula 1.

Thanks to his agency A14 Management, Alonso supports several young talents, including Bortoleto, who is the first to reach F1. He describes this structure as a place where essential values for success are transmitted, and where his proteges are encouraged to develop their skills and character. Bortoleto perfectly embodies this philosophy, with an impressive maturity and calmness for a young driver about to start his F1 career.

If Alonso has chosen to remain discreet about the final decision, his interest in the Audi-Sauber project is evident. Bortoleto could thus take his first steps in a team undergoing major changes, with Audi’s arrival. This transition represents a valuable opportunity for Sauber to strengthen itself and establish itself as a key player in F1, with the support of its new partner. Bortoleto’s arrival fits into this long-term vision, where he could play a crucial role in the team’s development.

A crucial arrival for Sauber

In this period of change, Sauber is betting on young talents like Bortoleto to build its future. The transition to Audi, planned for 2025, could benefit from the arrival of a driver capable of propelling the team to new heights. For Bortoleto, it is a unique opportunity, and his calm and thoughtful temperament seems perfectly suited to this challenge.

Alonso emphasized the importance of good timing for Bortoleto’s arrival in F1, understanding that too much pressure too early could hinder his development. With his calm and measured approach, Bortoleto seems ready to take on this challenge, while carrying the hopes of a Brazil eager to see a new champion emerge to continue its story in Formula 1.