How Max Verstappen guided Gabriel Bortoleto to Formula 1 success

Gabriel Bortoleto, a rising Brazilian talent in Formula 1, revealed how four-time world champion Max Verstappen played a pivotal role in his ascent to the sport’s pinnacle. From his karting days to his 2025 Sauber debut, Bortoleto benefited from Verstappen’s advice, behind-the-scenes support, and practical assistance, such as a strategic slipstream during the Austrian GP qualifying. Their bond, forged through a shared passion for sim racing, began in 2017 and strengthened in 2023 during virtual racing events. This friendship not only brought the drivers closer but also opened doors in the paddock, with Verstappen speaking highly of Bortoleto to key figures like Sauber team principal Jonathan WheatFilm. This story underscores the importance of mentorship in motorsport and the impact of personal connections in the competitive world of F1.

Bortoleto’s journey is marked by dedication and continuous learning. He sees Verstappen as an inspiration, not only for his track prowess but also for his composure and strategic insight. Their connection, sparked during a karting event, evolved into a partnership in virtual racing, where both excel.

• Key moments in their relationship:
  • Initial meeting in 2017 at a CRG karting event.
  • Collaboration in sim racing starting in 2023.
  • Verstappen’s support with tips and paddock advocacy.
  • Practical help, like the slipstream in the Austrian GP qualifying.

Early days in karting and meeting Verstappen

The story of Gabriel Bortoleto and Max Verstappen began in 2017, when the Brazilian, then just 12, raced for the CRG karting team, the same outfit that launched the Dutchman. During a race, an excited and nervous Bortoleto asked Verstappen, then a rising F1 star with Red Bull, for a photo. “He was super friendly,” Bortoleto recalls, cherishing the snapshot as a milestone in his career. That brief encounter laid the foundation for a relationship that would grow significantly years later.

At the time, Verstappen was already a motorsport standout, and Bortoleto heard tales of his karting exploits through the CRG team. The Brazilian, who won the karting world championship in 2018, continued his climb through the junior categories, shining in Formula 3 with a 2023 title. During this period, his bond with Verstappen deepened, particularly in the virtual racing world.

Shared passion for sim racing

Sim racing became the ground where Bortoleto and Verstappen built a strong friendship. In 2023, while competing in Formula 3, Bortoleto started racing virtually with Verstappen, a recognized top-tier sim racer. “I was really bad at first,” Bortoleto admits, initially dismissing sim racing as irrelevant to his career.

His perspective shifted after advice from his father: “Stop complaining and use that energy to get good at it.” Determined, Bortoleto invested in a simulator and trained rigorously. Now, he ranks among the top 10 globally in Assetto Corsa, particularly among real-world racers. In 2023, he joined Verstappen’s Team Redline as an ambassador, further solidifying their connection.

• Benefits of sim racing for Bortoleto:
  • Familiarity with new tracks before real races.
  • Improved consistency on known circuits.
  • Enhanced reflexes and racing strategies.
  • Strengthened bonds with Verstappen and other drivers.

Sim racing also added a new dimension to Bortoleto’s preparation. He praises Assetto Corsa for its realistic F1 car simulation, while iRacing offers a competitive experience akin to a race weekend. “I feel like I’ve done a thousand laps when I get to the track,” he says, emphasizing the value of virtual training.

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Behind-the-scenes and paddock support

Beyond their friendship and virtual races, Verstappen actively supported Bortoleto behind the scenes to help him reach Formula 1. According to the Brazilian, the Dutchman spoke with influential paddock figures, like Jonathan Wheatley, highlighting his talent and results. “Max had a very positive opinion of me, even before I joined Sauber,” Bortoleto learned from Wheatley, now Sauber’s team principal.

This advocacy was crucial in a sport where connections and reputation carry significant weight. Verstappen, known for being reserved in public statements, quietly used his influence to open doors for the young driver. “He saw I was getting good results and wanted to help,” Bortoleto said, who caught teams’ attention with his F3 title and strong F2 performances.

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Verstappen’s support also showed in practical moments. During the 2025 Australian GP, he advised Bortoleto to use intermediate tires, a decision that paid off. In Austria, Verstappen deliberately provided a slipstream during qualifying, boosting the Brazilian’s lap time. These actions reflect Verstappen’s generosity and belief in Bortoleto’s potential.

Inspiration from a four-time champion

For Bortoleto, Verstappen is more than a mentor—he’s a benchmark of excellence. “Alongside Ayrton Senna, he’s the greatest driver ever,” the Brazilian declares, admiring Verstappen’s composure, car understanding, and strategic approach. This admiration shapes how Bortoleto approaches his own career, aiming to emulate the Dutchman’s consistency and mindset.

Their relationship also highlights the role of mentors in motorsport. Just as Senna inspired generations of Brazilian drivers, Verstappen is playing a similar role for Bortoleto, who aspires to leave his mark in F1. Their connection through Team Redline and frequent conversations reinforce this influence beyond the track.

• Lessons from Verstappen for Bortoleto:
  • Staying calm under pressure during races.
  • Deeply understanding car behavior.
  • Using data and feedback to improve performance.
  • Building strategic relationships in the paddock.

Bortoleto’s future in Formula 1

At just 20, Bortoleto is already seen as one of Brazil’s brightest motorsport prospects. His 2025 Sauber debut marks the start of a journey that could place him among F1’s elite. Verstappen’s support, combined with his own talent, gives the Brazilian a strong foundation to tackle the category’s challenges.

Sauber, set to transition to Audi in 2026, is betting on Bortoleto to lead its project. His experience in junior categories, paired with sim racing expertise and Verstappen’s guidance, positions him well. “I want to be like Max,” Bortoleto says, dreaming of matching his idol’s consistency and success.

The 2025 season will be a critical test. Facing fierce competition and the pressure of representing Brazil, Bortoleto knows every race is a chance to prove himself. His evolving relationship with Verstappen will remain a key advantage in his journey.

A legacy in the making

The story of Bortoleto and Verstappen is more than a tale of two drivers—it’s a testament to how talent, hard work, and connections can shape motorsport careers. From their karting encounter to paddock conversations, their journey shows how the sport bridges generations and nationalities in pursuit of speed and excellence.

Now in F1’s grid, Bortoleto carries the responsibility of representing Brazil and honoring Verstappen’s support. His career, still in its early stages, already inspires young drivers and underscores the value of mentors. As he races for Sauber, the Brazilian keeps his sights on the future, hoping to follow in his idol’s footsteps—and perhaps even surpass him.

• Bortoleto’s next steps:
  • Establish himself at Sauber in 2025.
  • Leverage the Audi transition in 2026.
  • Compete in virtual endurance races with Team Redline.
  • Continue learning from Verstappen and other drivers.