Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber’s Brazilian driver, returns to Formula 1 for the Dutch Grand Prix, held from August 29 to 31, 2025, in Zandvoort, following a three-week break. The 20-year-old, who achieved a remarkable sixth place in the Hungarian GP, his best career finish, comes back optimistic for the 15th round of the season. During the break, he spent time with family in Brazil but now focuses on maintaining the strong performance shown before the hiatus. The Zandvoort circuit, where he raced in 2022 in Formula Regional, is seen as the ideal stage to resume the season. With Sauber on the rise, Bortoleto aims to solidify his growth as a rookie and help the team score points.
The return to Formula 1 marks the start of the season’s final stretch, with ten races remaining. Bortoleto, ranked 17th in the drivers’ championship with 14 points, has outperformed names like Yuki Tsunoda and Oliver Bearman. His recent performance, especially in Hungary, where he was voted driver of the day, boosts his confidence for the Zandvoort challenge.
- Notable result: 6th place in the Hungarian GP, the best for a Brazilian in eight years.
- Consistency: Scored points in three of the last four races (Austria, Belgium, Hungary).
- Goal: Maximize every session to learn and secure more points this season.
Preparation for the Dutch GP
The Zandvoort circuit, known for its challenging corners and vibrant atmosphere, is a favorite of Bortoleto’s. He highlighted his positive 2022 experience in Formula Regional as a motivating factor. The track, back on the F1 calendar since 2021, demands precision and tire management, skills Bortoleto showcased in Hungary. Sauber, which has improved throughout the season, introduced car upgrades, giving the driver hope of fighting for top-10 positions.
Bortoleto’s preparation included rest and physical training during the break. He spent a week in Europe with family before returning to Brazil, where he relaxed in Osasco, São Paulo. Social media posts showed him driving an Audi R8, reinforcing his connection with Sauber’s future brand, Audi, set for 2026. This downtime was crucial for recharging his energy.
The crowd are going to get loud 🇳🇱🦁#F1 #Formula1 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/LGIgyHa6Uk
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 27, 2025
Performance in debut season
The 2025 season has been a constant learning curve for Bortoleto. After a tough start, with his best result a 12th place in Spain, he found his rhythm in Austria, scoring his first points with an eighth-place finish. In Belgium, he finished ninth, showing consistency by outpacing teammate Nico Hülkenberg in race pace. The highlight came in Hungary, where he started seventh and finished sixth, surpassing champions like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
- First points: 8th place in the Austrian GP in June.
- Growth: Three consecutive top-10 finishes, including 6th in Hungary.
- Teammate comparison: Outperformed Hülkenberg in race pace in recent rounds.
- Recognition: Voted driver of the day in Hungary by fans.
Bortoleto’s performance caught the attention of veterans like Fernando Alonso, who called him the “best rookie of his generation.” His consistency, paired with Sauber’s progress, has placed the team seventh in the constructors’ championship, just one point behind Aston Martin.
Strategies and expectations at Zandvoort
The Dutch GP will be a critical test for Bortoleto and Sauber. Zandvoort’s banked corners and technical sectors favor drivers with sharp track-reading skills. Sauber plans to maintain the aggressive strategy seen in Hungary, where tire management was key to Bortoleto’s result. The Brazilian emphasized the importance of maximizing every session, from practice to the race, to keep learning.
Under new leadership with Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber has shown growth. Upgrades to the C45 car, introduced in Spain, improved performance, allowing Bortoleto to reach Q3 in Austria, Belgium, and Hungary. The expectation is for Sauber to remain competitive in the midfield, challenging teams like Williams and Aston Martin for points.
Key moments before the break
Before the break, Bortoleto had intense moments on track. In Belgium, he made a firm radio call, asking Sauber to let him pass Hülkenberg due to better pace. The team complied, and he finished ninth, boosting his confidence. In Hungary, his clean start gained him a position on the first lap, and he maintained a solid pace throughout.
- Radio moment: Assertively requested to pass Hülkenberg in Belgium.
- Tire management: Excelled in Hungary with a strategy that secured 6th place.
- Team support: Sauber praised his consistency and maturity as a rookie.
- Historic comparison: Youngest Brazilian in the top-6, surpassing Felipe Massa’s mark.
His Hungarian performance earned international praise and made him the youngest Brazilian to finish in the top-6, at 20 years and nine months, breaking Felipe Massa’s record.
Sauber’s evolution in 2025
Sauber is undergoing a transformation in 2025, moving from the back of the grid in 2024 to a competitive position. Nico Hülkenberg’s Silverstone podium was a milestone, but Bortoleto’s 14 points, compared to Hülkenberg’s 37, have been significant. The team, set to become Audi in 2026, invested in technical upgrades and hired talents like Wheatley, formerly of Red Bull, to strengthen its structure.
Bortoleto has shone in qualifying, holding a slight edge over Hülkenberg in race pace. His consistency in tracks like Spa and Hungaroring shows his quick adaptation to F1, despite a less competitive car compared to top teams. Sauber now aims to overtake Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship, a feasible goal with current performance.
Bortoleto’s impact on Brazilian motorsport
Bortoleto’s rise rekindles Brazil’s interest in Formula 1. Since Felipe Massa, no Brazilian driver has achieved such notable results. His sixth place in Hungary, coupled with the driver-of-the-day award, thrust him into the spotlight. He’s also an inspiration for young talents, having attended a Stock Car event in Curvelo, Minas Gerais, during the break.
- Brazilian representation: First top-6 since Felipe Massa in 2017.
- Engagement: Presence at Brazilian events like Stock Car strengthens his image.
- Promising future: Contract with Sauber until 2026, with potential Audi extension.
- Idol support: Alonso’s praise highlights his potential.
Bortoleto also connected with his roots during the break. In Osasco, he drove an Audi R8, symbolizing his tie to Sauber’s future. The break balanced his personal and professional life, preparing him for the season’s final stretch.
Dutch GP schedule and challenges
The Dutch GP features a packed schedule, starting with free practice on Friday at 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM Brasília time. Qualifying is on Saturday at 10:00 AM, and the race on Sunday at the same time. Band and Bandsports will broadcast, with additional coverage on F1TV Pro. Bortoleto aims to use practice sessions to fine-tune the car for Zandvoort’s unique layout, particularly its high-speed corners.
Weather could be a factor, with rain possible, a condition Bortoleto handled well in Silverstone despite a strategic error. The passionate local crowd, largely supporting Max Verstappen, creates a unique atmosphere, but Bortoleto is accustomed to pressure, as he noted from his junior category days.
