Gabriel Bortoleto: “I want to win races in the future”
These are the words of Gabriel Bortoleto, motivated by his F1 debut with Sauber, who has made a rapid ascent this season with some solid performances.
When Gabriel Bortoleto takes his place on the F1 grid in Melbourne next year, it will be the culmination of a meteoric rise. A journey that dates back to the Italian Formula 4 and his debut in single-seaters in 2020.
Early November, the announcement was made that the 20-year-old Brazilian would join the 2025 grid full-time with Sauber. The team was naturally enthusiastic, given the impressive performances already achieved by Gabriel Bortoleto. Arriving in Formula 3 in 2023, he dazzled the field as a rookie, winning the title in his first year. He continued this momentum with another impressive season in Formula 2, becoming the fourth driver to consecutively clinch the F3 and F2 titles after Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.
« For me, it’s an honor to be among these names, » confides Bortoleto, reflecting on his accomplishments. « These drivers are winners in Formula 1, solid contenders for future titles, so for me, it’s a privilege to be part of this list. They are very strong drivers, a source of inspiration for the younger generations progressing in F2 and F3 and looking to do the same. Now, I’m looking ahead to F1 to see what I can achieve there. »
Performances marked by consistency
His triumphs in F3 and F2 were built on impressive consistency, Bortoleto’s signature despite his rookie status. In F3, he missed the points only three times in 14 races, while in F2, he finished outside the top 10 just once, despite three retirements early in the season. This is no coincidence, he asserts, highlighting the importance of hard work with the Trident teams in F3 and Invicta Racing in F2.
« It wasn’t easy, » he adds. « It required a lot of work from the teams, myself, and my teammates. I don’t know how many hours of simulator we have done in the past two years. These results are the fruit of this hard work. »
The turning point of his F2 season occurred at Monza, after a qualifying mistake that relegated him to the last position. Despite this, he managed a spectacular comeback, moving from 22nd place to victory in the main race. « After that, I felt so strong, » he recalls. « That was the moment when everything shifted. We started the year struggling, but at Monza, I showed that we could turn things around. »
A historic signing with Sauber
During this period, discussions were already underway with Sauber, and Bortoleto formalized his contract to join F1 in 2025, before the end of the F2 season. This moment, shared with his close ones and supporters, will remain etched in his memory.
« I was with my girlfriend, my parents on a video call, and one of my sponsors on the phone. It was very special. When you have people who have supported you all along, it makes everything even more meaningful. »
At 20 years old, Bortoleto will become the youngest Brazilian driver to compete in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2002. He will also be the first full-time Brazilian driver on the grid since 2017. Inspired by Ayrton Senna, he wore a helmet in tribute to his idol throughout the 2024 season, a decision approved by the Senna family.
« Representing my country is important, but it’s not enough, » he states. « I want to win races and fight for important things. But first, I need to progress as a driver and improve in F1. My goal is higher: I want to make my country proud of everything I can achieve. »
As he prepares for this new adventure with Sauber, Bortoleto remains focused on the future, determined to make history in F1. « It’s a new beginning, a new stage. Let’s see where it takes me. »
