Gabriel Bortoleto has openly shared the names of his few friends within the Formula 1 paddock, naming Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, and Oliver Bearman as his trusted companions. The 20-year-old Brazilian driver spoke about these friendships during a recent appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast, highlighting the reasons behind his limited circle on the F1 grid.
Now competing in his rookie season with the Kick Sauber team, Bortoleto has steadily impressed in Formula 1. Despite regularly interacting with many drivers, he shared that genuine friendships are rare and meaningful due to the competitive nature of the sport. His relationships with Alonso, Verstappen, and Bearman stand out clearly because of personal history and mutual support.
How Bortoleto’s Friendships with Alonso, Verstappen, and Bearman Developed
Bortoleto explained his friendship with Oliver Bearman stems from proximity and a long shared history, as they have lived close to each other and competed together over many junior Formula series seasons. Their connection deepened during the 2023 F2 championship, where Bortoleto secured the title while racing alongside Bearman.
Max Verstappen is another close confidant, with their relationship built on years of support. Bortoleto praised the Dutch driver for offering continuous guidance throughout his early career, including sharing advice and competing together in sim racing events. These virtual races are a regular occurrence, strengthening their bond off the actual race track.
Fernando Alonso’s friendship with Bortoleto benefits from professional ties, as the Spaniard manages Bortoleto through his company A14 Management. Bortoleto has frequently credited Alonso for helping to accelerate his career path, emphasizing the veteran driver’s role in mentoring him as he progressed into Formula 1.
“I don’t have many friends in the grid. Ollie [Bearman], it’s because we live very close to each other & we know already each other for quite a while. And Max [Verstappen], because he has been helping me for many years. And Fernando [Alonso] and that’s it.”
—Gabriel Bortoleto, Formula 1 Driver
Impact of Title Contention on Bortoleto’s Friendship with Verstappen
Bortoleto also reflected on how his relationship with Max Verstappen might evolve if they were to become direct rivals in a Formula 1 championship fight. They often spend time together, preparing through pre-race simulations and sharing advice, but the dynamics could shift under the pressure of competing for a title.
According to Bortoleto, it is natural that Verstappen would reduce the support he offers when both are fighting for the championship, as the professional aspect would take precedence. However, Bortoleto believes mutual respect and friendship would remain intact, although they might race less frequently together in practice to keep strategies confidential.
“Yes. Absolutely. I mean, he wouldn’t give me the tools, the tips he gives, probably because we are fighting, but this is normal, it’s our profession. And that’s what we do,”
—Gabriel Bortoleto, Formula 1 Driver
“And I still believe we would be respectful to each other, friends, and I don’t think we would be practising as much as we do together anymore, because I wouldn’t want him to see some things and he wouldn’t want me to see other things.”
—Gabriel Bortoleto, Formula 1 Driver
Their collaborative sessions, both in simulations and virtual racing, have been crucial for Bortoleto’s development, with Verstappen frequently providing insights on circuit strategy and performance optimization. Their first actual on-track contest in Formula 1 came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen found himself trailing behind Bortoleto’s Sauber for a significant part of the race’s opening stint.
Significance of Bortoleto’s Limited but Strong Friendships in F1
Gabriel Bortoleto’s candid acknowledgment of his close friendships provides a window into the realities of Formula 1, where trust and camaraderie are valuable yet rare commodities amid fierce competition. His relationships with established names like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, alongside long-time friend Oliver Bearman, offer a foundation of support that could prove vital as he navigates the immense pressures of the sport.
As Bortoleto continues to establish himself within Formula 1’s elite ranks, these friendships may influence his career trajectory, offering guidance, experience, and collaboration opportunities. Meanwhile, the evolving nature of friendships under the shadow of championship contention underscores the unique balance between rivalry and respect that defines the sport.
