Sauber: Gabriel Bortoleto shines in F1 with Alonso’s support and friendship with Verstappen

Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old Brazilian driver, debuted in Formula 1 in 2025 with Sauber, bringing to the grid a talent forged in Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles. In an exclusive interview, he revealed how Fernando Alonso’s support, his friendship with Max Verstappen, and his partnership with Nico Hulkenberg have shaped his journey in the category. His arrival in F1, announced on November 6, 2024, marked the fulfillment of a dream for the driver, who left Brazil at 12 to pursue a career in motorsport. Despite initial challenges, such as limited testing mileage and Sauber’s grid position in 2024, Bortoleto achieved impressive results, including three top-10 finishes in the last four races of 2025. His adaptation to the elite of motorsport, marked by dedication and enthusiasm, reflects his preparation for the team’s future, which will become Audi in 2026. The driver emphasizes the importance of savoring every moment on the track while handling the pressure of being one of the four rookies this season.

Bortoleto’s journey is one of overcoming obstacles. After winning Formula 3 in 2023 and Formula 2 in 2024, he faced a competitive driver market with significant grid changes. Sauber, under Mattia Binotto’s leadership, saw the Brazilian as a bet for the future. “I’m living a dream, but I know many talented drivers don’t get this chance,” said Bortoleto, reinforcing his gratitude and commitment.

• Key moments of the debut: three top-10 finishes in 14 races.
• Crucial support: Fernando Alonso guided the driver in his F1 transition.
• Notable friendship: bonds with Verstappen began in virtual simulators.
• Promising future: Sauber prepares Bortoleto for the Audi era in 2026.

The 2025 season, though challenging, brought valuable lessons. Bortoleto highlighted the difficulty of starting the championship with a less competitive car but celebrated Sauber’s progress throughout the year.

Adapting to the world of Formula 1

Arriving in Formula 1 with just two days of testing is no easy feat. Bortoleto faced a season start with technical limitations, including a test in wet conditions that reduced his preparation. “I had to learn fast, no excuses,” said the driver, who turned his lack of experience into motivation. His practical approach, focused on improving tenths of a second each race, paid off.

The Brazilian also emphasized the impact of racing under the scrutiny of top teams. The pressure of the paddock, where every move is watched, demanded mental adaptation. He relied on Alonso’s experience, who advised him on handling visibility and expectations. “Fernando always found time to help me, even with his busy schedule,” he revealed.

• Limited testing: only two days before the season.
• Initial pressure: racing under the eyes of top teams.
• Rapid growth: consistent improvement throughout the races.

The 2025 season was a continuous learning curve. With Sauber transitioning to Audi, Bortoleto found an ideal environment to develop, with less external pressure and a focus on consistent results.

Partnership with Hulkenberg and the historic podium

The relationship with Nico Hulkenberg, his teammate, is a cornerstone of Bortoleto’s success. The German, with vast F1 experience, achieved a historic podium in Silverstone, his first after 239 races. Bortoleto, present at the celebration, was thrilled with the achievement. “Nico is a role model; I learn a lot from him,” he said. Hulkenberg’s success, driven by smart on-track decisions, inspired the Brazilian to aim for his own podium.

The partnership between the two drivers created a positive dynamic at Sauber. While Hulkenberg offers experience, Bortoleto brings energy and ambition. The team, which struggled in 2024, began to see results in 2025, with the car showing greater competitiveness. “We’re on the right track, but there’s still much to improve,” the Brazilian analyzed.

• Silverstone podium: a historic milestone for Hulkenberg.
• Team dynamic: Bortoleto and Hulkenberg complement each other.
• Technical progress: Sauber improves performance over the year.
• Mutual inspiration: Bortoleto aims for future podiums.

The Silverstone moment not only highlighted Hulkenberg but also boosted Bortoleto’s confidence, who saw his teammate’s achievement as a symbol of dedication.

Bonds with Verstappen and the role of virtual racing

The friendship with Max Verstappen, a three-time F1 champion, is one of the most intriguing aspects of Bortoleto’s journey. The two connected in 2023 through virtual racing on simulators, a shared passion. “Max helped me a lot with simulator tips, and our friendship grew from there,” the Brazilian shared. During race weekends, it’s common to see them chatting in the paddock, with moments of camaraderie that catch fans’ attention.

Virtual racing is more than a hobby. It allows drivers to train reflexes and strategies in a controlled environment. For Bortoleto, who had limited real-world testing, simulators were a vital tool for F1 preparation. “It’s a way to stay focused and learn, even far from the track,” he explained.

• Friendship’s start: connection in 2023 via simulators.
• Paddock moments: camaraderie with Verstappen.
• Virtual benefits: simulators as a training tool.

The relationship with Verstappen also brought visibility to Bortoleto, making him one of the most talked-about rookies of the season.

Alonso’s influence on Bortoleto’s career

Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, played a crucial role in Bortoleto’s rise. Since 2022, when the Brazilian joined Alonso’s A14 management, the Spaniard offered valuable advice, particularly on managing race weekend pressure. “He helped me understand what teams expect from a driver,” said Bortoleto.

Alonso’s mentorship went beyond technical guidance. Known for his dedication, the Spaniard inspired Bortoleto to stay focused during tough times. In 2022, when facing engine issues in Formula Regional, the Brazilian applied Alonso’s advice to recover. “He taught me to focus on what I could control,” he said.

• A14 entry: Alonso’s management since 2022.
• Practical advice: managing pressure and expectations.
• 2022 recovery: lessons applied in Formula Regional.
• Availability: Alonso dedicated time to the rookie.

Alonso’s influence remains, with Bortoleto applying the lessons in F1 and preparing for the Audi challenge in 2026.

Preparing for the Audi era in 2026

Sauber is in a transition phase, with Audi’s official entry as a factory team in 2026. Bortoleto, signed with this vision in mind, sees the 2025 season as a foundation for the future. “We’re building something big, but the focus now is improving race by race,” he said. The team is investing in infrastructure and technology, with Mattia Binotto leading the project.

The Brazilian also emphasized the importance of spending time at Sauber’s headquarters in Hinwil to integrate with the team. As a rookie, he values learning from engineers and familiarizing himself with the car. “I want to be ready to fight for points or podiums in 2026,” he said, keeping his feet on the ground.

• Sauber’s transition: preparing for Audi.
• Hinwil investment: focus on infrastructure.
• Binotto’s role: leading the 2026 project.
• Bortoleto’s integration: time with the team.

Sauber’s promising future, combined with Bortoleto’s talent, positions the Brazilian as a key piece in Audi’s project.

Brazilian roots and family support

Despite the distance from Brazil, Bortoleto maintains strong ties with his family. His father, involved with Stock Car, passed on his passion for motorsport. “He worked with VIPs at Interlagos to be close to F1. That passion reached me,” he shared. The absence of his parents at races is offset by their constant support, even from afar.

Moving to Europe at 12 was a turning point. Living in Desenzano sul Garda and later in Milan and Monaco required adaptation. “They were tough times, but they made me stronger,” he reflected. The dedication of his family and Bortoleto’s rise at Sauber toward F1 is a milestone of resilience, talent, and support from icons like Alonso and Verstappen.

• Karting roots: career start in Brazil.
• Family support: passion inherited from his father.
• Move to Europe: challenges since age 12.
• Stock Car connection: father’s influence.

Bortoleto’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and gratitude, with the Brazilian standing out as a promise for F1’s future.