Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber’s Brazilian driver, finished the second free practice session of the Mexico GP in 15th place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The session faced low-grip conditions due to the 2,240-meter altitude in Mexico City, affecting car balance. Despite the result, the 20-year-old rookie deemed the day productive for data collection.
The performance followed a promising TL1, where Bortoleto secured fifth with a 1:18.916 lap. In TL2, his best lap was 1:18.323, 0.931 seconds off Max Verstappen’s leading 1:17.392.
Sauber focused on car adjustments to counter the altitude, which cuts engine power by about 20%.
- TL2 top times: Verstappen (1:17.392), Leclerc (1:17.545), Antonelli (1:17.566).
- Bortoleto ahead of teammate Hulkenberg, in 16th.
- Brazilian’s race pace simulation: 1:21.1 average on medium tires.
Rounding up Friday's practice in Mexico.
— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) October 24, 2025
All eyes on Quali for the team tomorrow 🤝#MexicoGP🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/YmPT1YSN6Z
Track conditions challenge adaptation
The Mexican circuit’s high altitude demands specific vehicle adjustments. Teams use larger radiators and modify wings for better airflow. Bortoleto, debuting on the 4.3 km track, completed 32 laps in TL2.
The Brazilian noted low initial grip, common after recent rain disruptions. Sauber tested soft tires late in the session, but worn tires limited lap times.
Bortoleto’s post-session remarks
Bortoleto called the experience challenging yet positive. “The conditions are different from what I’m used to, with very low grip early on,” said the Osasco native. He ran installation laps on hard tires before switching to mediums and softs.
The rookie emphasized the value of car balance data. “We gathered good information, which is the focus now,” he stated. His race pace simulation showed consistency, with competitive averages in long stints.
In TL1, with many rookies, Sauber took third and fifth places. Hulkenberg, with 1:18.760, praised the C45 chassis evolution, gaining 0.5 seconds per lap this season.
Bortoleto, 2024 F2 runner-up, has four points in 2025 F1, with an eighth-place finish in Austria as his best result.
TL1 comparison shows variations
The first practice, at 3:30 PM Brasília time, featured nine rookies, benefiting Sauber’s regulars. Leclerc led with 1:18.380, followed by Antonelli and Hulkenberg. Bortoleto was 0.536 seconds off Leclerc.
In TL2, with all regulars, Verstappen took the lead early. Norris and Piastri vied for the top 5, but Piastri dropped to 12th. Sauber lost positions but stayed within 1 second of the leaders.
The session had minimal interruptions, allowing Verstappen 34 laps. Alonso and Sainz rounded out the top 10, with Sainz ninth at 1:17.939.
Bortoleto focused on clean laps, avoiding errors in low-speed corners like the stadium section.
Race pace signals prospects
Bortoleto’s TL2 simulation showed potential in long stints. On medium tires, he maintained 1:21 paces, competitive for the midfield. The team tweaked suspension for the circuit’s 17 corners.
Hulkenberg, 16th with 1:18.348, tested similar setups. The duo completed over 60 combined laps, gathering telemetry for Saturday’s TL3.
The Mexico GP, the 20th round of 2025, has no sprint format, allowing three practice sessions. The main race starts at 5:00 PM on Sunday, with 71 laps.
Sauber’s season-long progress
Sauber introduced 2025 chassis updates, targeting top-10 finishes. Bortoleto, in his first full season, adapts after an 18th-place finish in Austin.
The Swiss team has 12 constructors’ points, with Hulkenberg scoring in eight races. Bortoleto’s Mexico debut marks his fifth new track.
Engineers focus on hybrid energy management at altitude, reducing aerodynamic drag.
- Sauber upgrades: 0.5s lap-time gain with new wings.
- Bortoleto’s rookie ranking: Midfield, ahead of Hadjar (RB).
- Weekend goals: Top 12 in qualifying.
Qualifying preparation
The schedule continues with TL3 at 2:30 PM Saturday, followed by qualifying at 6:00 PM. Bortoleto plans more soft-tire tests to optimize for the pole.
The Hermanos Rodríguez track, with long straights and technical sectors, demands braking precision. Verstappen holds the pole record here, with three consecutive poles.
Sauber aligns setup for balance in high-speed corners like Peraltada.
