Bortoleto: A Brazilian driver back in Formula 1 after eight years

The 20-year-old will become the first Brazilian in F1 since Felipe Massa, marking a significant moment for motorsport fans in the country. And betting sites like jaxon have the Brazilian on the grid list for next season.

Bortoleto’s entry to F1 comes with strong backing, including from two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who manages the Sauber/Audi team.

In a recent interview, Bortoleto expressed gratitude for Alonso's mentorship throughout his career: "Fernando has always been there for me, offering guidance and support whenever I needed it. I hope he continues to help me as I transition to Formula 1."

The announcement of Bortoleto's promotion has drawn praise from notable figures across the motorsport world. Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello hailed the young talent:

Franco Colapinto, who joined Williams mid-season in 2024, also commended Bortoleto's skills, calling him an "amazing kid who drives with agility and absolutely deserves his place."

Bortoleto’s future teammate at Sauber/Audi, Nico Hülkenberg, kept his remarks succinct: "He knows how to drive."

Despite his youth, Bortoleto’s journey to F1 has been a decade in the making. Beginning in karting, he climbed the ranks through Formula 3 and Formula 2 before securing his F1 seat.

In 2023, he claimed the Formula 3 title and joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme. Speaking about this critical period, Bortoleto explained that the training extended beyond technical skills:
"The programme focused on decision-making, strategy, and leadership development. That leadership training was a turning point in my career and opened the door to Formula 1."

To prepare for his debut, Bortoleto has been spending seven to eight hours daily on the simulator, fine-tuning his skills for the demands of F1.

Bortoleto joins Sauber as it transitions into the Audi F1 Team following the German manufacturer’s acquisition. He will partner Nico Hülkenberg, replacing Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu in the line-up.

Bortoleto’s F1 debut will also feature a major sponsor: Grupo Boticário, with branding for its Malbec fragrance expected to feature prominently on his car, suit, and helmet.

Looking ahead to his first season, Bortoleto has set ambitious goals. Speaking to the press, he declared:
"In 2025, I want to help Audi become champions."

The 2025 Formula 1 season will begin on 16 March and conclude on 7 December, with Gabriel Bortoleto carrying the hopes of Brazil back onto the grid.