Brazilian racing talent Gabriel Bortoleto made his Formula 1 debut in 2025, having been signed by Sauber ahead of their transition to Audi. The young driver, who won the 2024 Formula 2 championship, has openly acknowledged the significant role that two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso played in his development as a racer, especially during his formative years in junior categories. Bortoleto highlighted how Alonso’s guidance helped him navigate the pressures and challenges of moving up the motorsport ladder.
Bortoleto’s early journey included a challenging second year in Formula Regional (FR), which was marked by reliability problems causing multiple retirements. Despite these setbacks, he finished the season strongly and earned a Formula 3 (F3) seat with Trident. During this period of struggle, Alonso and his management group, A14 management, became involved in Bortoleto’s career and eventually signed him, providing key support during difficult times.
Mentorship Impact: Insights from Bortoleto on Alonso’s Role
The Brazilian driver has been vocal about the ongoing support Alonso provided, with the veteran often present in the Sauber hospitality area during the 2024 season as negotiations for Bortoleto’s F1 seat progressed. Bortoleto shared how Alonso was a constant source of advice and reassurance, especially when he started competing on Formula 1 weekends.
“Fernando came on board in mid-2022 and it was a very important step, a great added value. In 2023, I arrived in F3 and raced in F1 weekends for the first time. When I entered the circuit for the first time, I realised that I would be racing under the eyes of all the major F1 teams, so I asked Fernando for lots of advice on how to manage the race weekend, the pressure, the expectations, and many other things.” —Gabriel Bortoleto
Bortoleto also emphasized Alonso’s dedication despite his busy schedule, praising the champion’s willingness to offer guidance often at the expense of his own rest periods.
“One might think that someone as busy as Alonso wouldn’t have time, but I can confirm that he always found it, perhaps sacrificing his breaks, and I find his willingness to help very admirable and, of course, a great added value.” —Gabriel Bortoleto
The Foundations of Bortoleto’s Racing Career and Early Moves
Gabriel Bortoleto relocated to Europe at just 11 years old to chase his dream of becoming a professional racer. After several years in karting, he advanced to single-seater racing by debuting in Formula 4 in 2020 before moving into Formula Regional. These experiences helped him build the skills and resilience essential for his progression in the sport.
Competitive Duel Between Mentor and Protégé at the Hungarian Grand Prix
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, both Alonso and Bortoleto started inside the top ten, settling in fifth and sixth positions after the initial laps. The young Brazilian mounted several attacks on Alonso throughout the race, showcasing his competitive spirit, but the experienced Aston Martin driver managed to maintain the upper hand and finish ahead.
Following the race, Alonso reflected on the positive momentum of collecting valuable points before the summer break, even as Bortoleto managed to overtake him temporarily during the weekend. The Spaniard didn’t miss the chance for a playful comment aimed at his protégé.
“Yeah, it feels good and we were a lot faster than the Sauber you know,” followed by everyone, including Alonso and Bortoleto, sharing a laugh.
Currently, Aston Martin holds sixth place in the constructors’ championship, with Sauber closely behind in seventh, just a single point shy of their rivals based near Silverstone.
The Significance of Alonso’s Guidance for Bortoleto’s Future
Fernando Alonso’s mentorship has been a cornerstone in Gabriel Bortoleto’s ascent within motorsport, helping the young driver gain confidence and maturity in high-pressure environments. This relationship has not only accelerated Bortoleto’s progress through junior categories but also prepared him for the realities of Formula 1 competition.
As Bortoleto embarks on his rookie F1 season with Sauber, which will soon become Audi-powered, the foundation laid by Alonso’s support is likely to remain a vital asset. The mentorship reflects how experienced drivers can shape the next generation, advancing both individual careers and the sport as a whole.
