Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Lourenzo 'Gabi' Bortoleto Oliveira (born 14 October 2004) is a Brazilian racing driver who competes in Formula One for Sauber. Born and raised in Osasco, Bortoleto began competitive kart racing aged seven, winning multiple national titles and graduating to junior formulae in 2020. A protégé of two-time World Drivers' Champion Fernando Alonso, Bortoleto became a race-winner in Italian F4 and Formula Regional European, before winning his first title at the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. Bortoleto progressed to FIA Formula 2 in 2024, winning the championship that year with Invicta to become the seventh driver in history to win the GP2/Formula 2 title in their rookie season.
Full Name:
Gabriel Lourenzo Bortoleto Oliveira
Birthday:
14 October 2004
Birthplace:
Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Status:
In a Relationship
Partner:
Isabella Bernardini
Primary Series:
Notable Achievements:
FIA Formula 2 (Race Win Year 2024), FIA Formula 3 (Race Win Year 2023), FIA Rookie of the Year Anthoine Hubert Award
Car Number:
5

Gabriel Bortoleto Bio

Early Life and Background

Gabriel Lourenzo “Gabi” Bortoleto Oliveira was born on 14 October 2004 in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil. He began competitive kart racing at the age of seven, quickly making a name for himself by winning multiple national titles. His father, Lincoln Oliveira, is the CEO and co-owner of the Stock Car Pro Series in Brazil, which provided Gabriel with a supportive environment for his racing aspirations. Bortoleto’s family also operates KTF Racing, a stock car and kart racing team, further embedding him in the motorsports culture from a young age.

Bortoleto moved to Europe to pursue his racing career, competing in various karting championships until 2019. His most successful year was 2018, where he finished third in both the European and World Championships in OK-Junior, and became vice-champion in the WSK Super Master Series and the Andrea Margutti Trophy. This early exposure laid the foundation for his transition to junior formula racing.

Path to Formula One

Bortoleto made his car racing debut in the 2020 Italian F4 Championship, where he quickly showcased his talent by securing his first podium and victory in his fourth race. He finished the season fifth overall, demonstrating his potential as a rising star in motorsports. Following his success in F4, he progressed to the Formula Regional European Championship, where he continued to impress with consistent performances and podium finishes.

In 2023, Bortoleto made a significant leap by joining the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. He quickly established himself as a championship contender, ultimately winning the title and securing his place in the FIA Formula 2 for the 2024 season. His rapid ascent through the ranks has been marked by mentorship from two-time World Drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso, who has played a pivotal role in his development.

Gabriel Bortoleto Career

Early Career (2020–2022)

Bortoleto’s early career saw him competing in various junior formula series, starting with the Italian F4 Championship in 2020. His debut season was marked by a victory at Mugello, where he showcased his ability to compete at a high level. He continued to develop his skills in the Formula Regional European Championship, where he achieved multiple podiums and solidified his reputation as a talented driver.

In 2022, he participated in the Formula Regional Asian Championship, where he claimed a victory in a reversed-top-ten race at Yas Marina. His performances in these early years laid the groundwork for his future success in higher-tier championships.

FIA Formula 3 Breakthrough (2023)

Bortoleto’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he joined the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. He began the season with a strong performance, winning his first race in Bahrain after being elevated to first place due to a penalty for the original winner. He maintained a consistent performance throughout the season, achieving multiple podiums and finishing the year as the FIA Formula 3 champion, marking a significant milestone in his career.

FIA Formula 2 Era (2024–Present)

In 2024, Bortoleto made his debut in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Invicta Racing. He quickly adapted to the competitive environment, securing his first podium in Imola and later achieving his maiden victory in Austria. His standout performance came at the Monza feature race, where he made history by winning from last on the grid, becoming the first driver to do so in Formula 2.

Bortoleto’s remarkable rookie season culminated in him being crowned the FIA Formula 2 champion, making him the seventh driver in history to win the title in their rookie season. His success in both FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 in consecutive years has positioned him as one of the most promising talents in motorsports.

Sauber Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Bortoleto signed with Sauber, partnering with veteran driver Nico Hülkenberg. He debuted at the Australian Grand Prix, where he impressed by progressing to the second qualifying session. Despite facing challenges in his early races, including crashes and mechanical issues, Bortoleto has shown resilience and determination to improve his performance.

His first points finish came in Austria, where he became the first Brazilian to score points in Formula One since 2017. As he continues to develop in the sport, Bortoleto is contracted to remain with Sauber through the 2026 season, as the team transitions to Audi.

Driving Style and Strengths

Bortoleto is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, which allows him to make bold overtakes and capitalize on opportunities during races. His ability to adapt to changing conditions and maintain composure under pressure has been a key factor in his success across various racing series.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Bortoleto’s notable achievements include winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024, along with several awards such as the FIA Rookie of the Year and the Anthoine Hubert Award. His historic victory from last on the grid in Formula 2 at Monza further solidified his status as a rising star in motorsports.

Gabriel Bortoleto Career Wins

Gabriel Bortoleto has achieved significant success in his racing career, with notable wins in both the FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 Championships.

Current Formula One Series Highlights

As of the 2025 season, Bortoleto has made 22 entries in the Formula One World Championship, with a total of 19 career points. His performances have included several strong qualifying sessions and a growing number of competitive finishes.

Previous FIA Formula 2 Series Achievements

In the FIA Formula 2 Championship, Bortoleto won the title in 2024, becoming the first driver to win from last on the grid in a feature race. His ability to secure points consistently throughout the season was crucial to his championship success.

Gabriel Bortoleto Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Bortoleto comes from a family deeply rooted in motorsports, with his father being a prominent figure in the Stock Car Pro Series. His family’s involvement in racing has provided him with a unique perspective and support system as he navigates his career.

Personal Life

Bortoleto is currently in a relationship with Isabella Bernardini, a computer science student. He has expressed admiration for Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna, who serves as his racing idol and inspiration.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a challenging yet promising year for Gabriel Bortoleto in Formula One. He has faced various obstacles, including crashes and mechanical failures, but has also shown flashes of brilliance. Notably, he achieved his first points finish in Austria, marking a significant milestone in his rookie season. As he continues to adapt to the demands of Formula One, Bortoleto’s potential remains evident, and he is expected to build on his early experiences as the season progresses.