James Hinchcliffe, a Formula 1 presenter and former IndyCar competitor, has expressed strong support for Gabriel Bortoleto as Cadillac’s preferred rookie driver choice for 2025. With Cadillac preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team, the American-backed effort has yet to finalize its driver lineup for the upcoming debut season.
In the lead-up to Cadillac’s official announcement, speculation has surrounded experienced names such as former Sauber driver and Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas and ex-Red Bull racer Sergio Perez. However, Hinchcliffe believes that among the young talents currently on the grid, Bortoleto stands out as a strong candidate to join Cadillac.
Bortoleto’s Performance Makes Him a Strong Rookie Contender
Hinchcliffe highlighted Bortoleto’s performances despite driving a less competitive Sauber car.
“Bortoleto has been super impressive because that car is not great,”
Hinchcliffe said on The Red Flags Podcast, noting that even a good result with Sauber is challenging. He compared Bortoleto favorably against fellow driver Nico Hulkenberg, known for exemplary Saturday qualifying performances, stating that Bortoleto is currently outpacing him in qualifying results.
Bortoleto’s consistency across race weekends has also been praised. He managed to qualify well in Austria and finish strongly in Hungary, underscoring his ability to deliver solid race results. Hinchcliffe emphasized Bortoleto’s hard work and determination, recalling how the young driver rose through the ranks despite limited resources, driven by the necessity to win in order to progress in his career.
Rookie Standouts Among F1 Drivers
By mid-2023, Bortoleto had accumulated 14 points, placing him 17th in the drivers’ championship standings. Hinchcliffe described him as
“the most impressive rookie as of Hungary,”
expressing confidence in Bortoleto’s development and potential. When asked to pick a rookie to sign if he were part of Cadillac’s management, Hinchcliffe confirmed,
“Of the four that are out there now? Yeah, probably [Bortoleto].”
Implications for Cadillac’s F1 Future and Driver Selection
As Cadillac finalizes its driver lineup ahead of the 2026 season, backing a promising talent like Gabriel Bortoleto could position the team for a strong entry into Formula 1. His progression in Formula 2 and performance against established drivers reflect his capability to adapt and excel at the highest level. Choosing Bortoleto would also signal Cadillac’s commitment to investing in emerging talent who have demonstrated perseverance and skill despite challenging circumstances.
With teams continuously scouting for drivers who blend potential with consistent results, Bortoleto’s rise has captured attention from experts and fans alike. Cadillac’s final seat selection likely will weigh experience against youth, but this endorsement from Hinchcliffe elevates Bortoleto’s prospects significantly as the team builds toward its debut.
