Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber’s Brazilian Formula 1 driver, opened up about his relationship with teammate Nico Hulkenberg during an interview on the “Na Ponta dos Dedos” podcast by ge.globo on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. The duo, who joined the Swiss team in 2025 to revive its fortunes after a tough 2024, displays a rare synergy in motorsport, marked by mutual support and public praise. Bortoleto highlighted how their friendship evolved despite Hulkenberg’s initial caution and shared his mindset of reciprocity within the team. This bond, crucial for Sauber’s transition to Audi in 2026, was praised by team principal Jonathan Wheatley as a model of collaboration. The Brazilian also discussed the challenges of his debut season, such as his crash in Silverstone, and the importance of a positive environment for the team’s success.
The 2025 season has been a turning point for Sauber, jumping from just four points in 2024 to 51 so far, with 37 from Hulkenberg and 14 from Bortoleto. The duo replaced Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, bringing new energy to the team. While Hulkenberg, with 15 years of experience, secured his first podium in Silverstone after 239 races, 20-year-old rookie Bortoleto impresses with competitive performances, like his seventh-place grid slot in Hungary. Their relationship is seen as a cornerstone for Sauber’s restructuring as it prepares to become Audi.
Em entrevista ao podcast "Na Ponta dos Dedos", Gabriel Bortoleto falou sobre o início da carreira na Fórmula 1 e sobre sua relação com o companheiro de equipe Nico Hülkenberg.#bortoleto #formula1 #f1 #hulkenberg #ge pic.twitter.com/jmRGL6yrGp
— ge (@geglobo) August 5, 2025
- Season highlights: Sauber has 51 points in 2025, compared to four in 2024.
- Historic podium: Nico Hulkenberg finished third in the British GP, his first podium.
- Bortoleto’s debut: The Brazilian scored points in two races, notably eighth in Austria.
- Audi transition: The team is gearing up for 2026, when it will adopt the German brand’s identity.
A relationship built on trust
The friendship between Bortoleto and Hulkenberg began to take shape during pre-season testing in Bahrain in February 2025. During the event, Hulkenberg suffered an eye injury, and Bortoleto, in a simple gesture, offered help with medication. The Brazilian believes such actions helped break the initial caution from his teammate. “At first, he was a bit reserved, unsure about me. I’d say, ‘Nico, I tested something with the brakes for this corner.’ He’d ask why I was sharing that when we were 19th and 20th. I said it was to move forward together,” Bortoleto recounted. This episode reflects the rookie’s mindset, prioritizing teamwork in a sport known for individual competition.
The Brazilian emphasized that his approach is rooted in reciprocity. He believes a collaborative environment is essential for a team in rebuild mode like Sauber. “If you don’t treat me well, I can be the worst teammate you’ve ever had. But Nico was open from the start, and that created mutual respect,” he explained. Bortoleto’s stance contrasts with the common rivalry among drivers, especially in top teams where position battles can spark tension. At Sauber, which ended 2024 as the grid’s worst team, the pilots’ unity has been a game-changer.
Hulkenberg, in turn, recognized the Brazilian’s talent early on. Before Bortoleto scored points in the Austrian GP, the German noted that the rookie was “putting pressure” in their internal battle with “very impressive” driving. This exchange of praise reflects the positive dynamic driving Sauber’s progress in the constructors’ championship, where the team holds sixth place with 41 points, per British GP data.
The impact of the Silverstone podium
The British Grand Prix, held on July 6, 2025, was a defining moment for Sauber and the Bortoleto-Hulkenberg partnership. Starting 19th, Hulkenberg capitalized on chaotic rain conditions and a sharp strategy to claim third place, ending a 15-year podium drought. Bortoleto, who crashed out on lap five after a tire choice error, didn’t hesitate to celebrate his teammate’s achievement. Over the radio, the Brazilian exclaimed, “Nico, you’re a legend! I’m so happy for you!” He then rushed to the podium to congratulate the German, a gesture that moved the team and fans alike.
- Decisive strategy: Hulkenberg opted for intermediate tires, while others, like Bortoleto, risked slicks.
- Bortoleto’s crash: The Brazilian hit the wall on lap 5 after choosing slicks on a wet track.
- Sauber’s first podium: The team hadn’t reached the top 3 since Kamui Kobayashi in 2012.
- Paddock reaction: Even Mercedes sent champagne for Sauber’s celebration, per ESPN.
Despite his personal frustration, Bortoleto stressed the importance of the result for the team. “I was upset about crashing, but I made a point to watch from the garage and cheer. I couldn’t let my negative energy dampen the team’s joy,” he said. Hulkenberg’s podium, combined with Bortoleto’s points in races like Austria and Belgium, underscores Sauber’s growth, exceeding expectations by scoring in five GPs this season.
Bortoleto’s mindset in Formula 1
At just 20, Bortoleto brings to Formula 1 his experience as the 2023 Formula 3 and 2024 Formula 2 champion. His mindset, however, extends beyond the track. He views Sauber as a company in restructuring, where success hinges on a healthy environment. “It’s like a business: to succeed, it can’t be toxic. Nico has proven all he needed in F1, and I, as a rookie, want to learn and help,” he said. This perspective earned praise from team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who called the duo’s synergy unique in his 34 years in motorsport.
The Brazilian also shared his approach to competition. “If we were fighting for the world championship, maybe the relationship would be different. But at Sauber, our goal is to push the team forward,” he noted. Bortoleto’s ability to balance competitiveness and collaboration is a rare trait for a rookie, especially in a sport where pressure for results is relentless. His approach has been a key asset for Sauber, which aims to establish itself as Audi in 2026.
- Business mindset: Bortoleto likens Sauber to a company striving for success.
- Hulkenberg’s experience: The German, with 15 years in F1, serves as an informal mentor.
- Wheatley’s praise: The Sauber boss hailed the pilots’ collaboration as exceptional.
- Audi on the horizon: The 2026 transition is the team’s main focus.
Challenges and lessons in the debut season
The 2025 season has been a constant learning curve for Bortoleto. Despite strong results, like eighth in Austria and seventh on the Hungarian grid, the Brazilian faced setbacks, particularly in adverse conditions. In the British GP, his choice of slick tires on a wet track led to a crash. “I saw experienced drivers like Leclerc and Russell do it, but I misjudged. The track didn’t dry as expected,” he admitted. The mistake, he said, was a valuable lesson in strategy and patience.
Hulkenberg, meanwhile, has shone with consistency, finishing ahead of Bortoleto in ten races, including sprints, and scoring 37 points to the Brazilian’s 14. However, in qualifying, the battle is tight: Bortoleto leads 10-7, including sprints, per X posts. This internal competition doesn’t strain their relationship, as both continue sharing insights to boost Sauber’s performance.
- Qualifying balance: Bortoleto and Hulkenberg are tied at 6-6 in GPs.
- Silverstone lesson: Bortoleto’s slick tire error was a strategic learning moment.
- Hulkenberg’s consistency: The German scored in five races, compared to Bortoleto’s two.
- Sauber’s growth: Car upgrades, like a new floor, have driven better results.
Preparing for Audi in 2026
Sauber is in a transitional phase, with Jonathan Wheatley and ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto leading the Audi project. The driver duo is seen as pivotal to this process. Hulkenberg’s experience brings stability, while Bortoleto represents the team’s future. “Gabi is on a path to podiums and wins,” Wheatley said, per motorsport.uol.com.br. The Brazilian’s quick adaptation to F1, despite the pressure of being Brazil’s first points-scoring driver since 2017, bolsters this confidence.
The Bortoleto-Hulkenberg partnership is also an asset for Audi. “Nico brings calm and precise feedback, while Gabi has raw talent that impresses,” Wheatley noted. Combined with car upgrades like a new floor and front wing, their collaboration has positioned Sauber to compete with teams like Williams and Haas. The Silverstone podium and consistent points are signs the team is on the right track.
- Wheatley and Binotto’s arrival: The new leadership strengthens Sauber for 2026.
- Hulkenberg’s role: The German is a pillar of stability in the Audi transition.
- Bortoleto’s talent: The Brazilian is seen as a future star for the team.
- Car improvements: Upgrades have lifted Sauber to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
The duo’s promising future
The bond between Bortoleto and Hulkenberg is more than a story of friendship—it’s a case study in how collaboration can transform a team. While Hulkenberg, at 37, celebrates a career peak with the Silverstone podium, 20-year-old Bortoleto builds his path with humility and determination. “When you do good, it comes back. Nico deserved that podium, and I want to be there too,” the Brazilian said. With 13 races down in 2025, Sauber is on the rise, and its drivers are at the heart of this project.
The next challenge for the duo is the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps on July 21, 2025. The track, known for unpredictable weather, will test their skills and Sauber’s progress. Brazilian fans, who hadn’t seen a compatriot score points since Felipe Massa, are thrilled with Bortoleto’s rise, already dubbed the “best rookie of his generation” by names like Fernando Alonso.
- Belgian GP: Spa will test the duo in challenging conditions.
- Brazilian legacy: Bortoleto is the first Brazilian to score in F1 since 2017.
- Alonso’s praise: The Spaniard highlighted Bortoleto as a rising talent.
- Fan support: Brazil eagerly follows Bortoleto’s F1 debut.
