Fernando Alonso believes that Gabriel Bortoleto has been unfairly overlooked following his performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Alonso’s opinion highlights a wider truth: the Brazilian’s debut season in Formula 1 has not received the recognition it merits. As the reigning Formula 2 Champion, Bortoleto’s transition to F1 has been quietly impressive, marking him as the standout rookie of 2025.
Despite limited media attention, Bortoleto has consistently shown his talent on track, making a strong case for being the rookie most valuable player (MVP) of this year’s season.
The Significance of Bortoleto’s Performance at Hungary
Under the mentorship of Fernando Alonso, managed by A14 Management, Gabriel Bortoleto has benefitted from experienced guidance, which was evident in Hungary. Qualifying seventh for Sauber, Bortoleto delivered an exceptional race by finishing sixth, just behind Alonso himself. This accomplishment should have drawn significant acclaim but was met with a surprisingly muted response.
Alonso shared his admiration for Bortoleto, stating,
“He commits few errors, always putting pressure,”
—Fernando Alonso. He added,
“He’s the best rookie of this generation. If he was English, or something, and finished sixth in a Sauber, he’d be in all the news. What he does is exceptional.”
—Fernando Alonso.
Entering Formula 1 after winning both the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships consecutively, Bortoleto started as one of the least talked about rookies, despite joining the ranks of drivers like George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri, who had similar achievements before their F1 careers.
The Sauber Team’s Progress and Bortoleto’s Breakthrough
Sauber initially began the 2025 season without high expectations, which limited the attention focused on their drivers. However, the arrival of new team boss Jonathan Wheatley ushered in a period of growth and improved performance for the squad. Bortoleto has been integral to this positive trajectory, securing points in three of the last four Grands Prix and securing a highlight P6 finish in Hungary.
This achievement is made all the more impressive considering Sauber’s early season difficulties, which tested the resilience of the young driver. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Bortoleto outpaced his more experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg on several occasions, signaling his rapid development and increasing competitiveness within the team.
Hulkenberg, a driver awaiting his first podium since Silverstone, brings a wealth of experience and talent to Sauber, making Bortoleto’s consistent head-to-head performance all the more notable. Bortoleto has finished ahead of Hulkenberg in three of the last four races, underlining his rising status as a formidable team rival.
Team Insight on Bortoleto and Hulkenberg’s Partnership
Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s team principal, praised the dynamic between the two teammates, highlighting their collaborative nature as exceptional in today’s Formula 1 environment. Speaking publicly, Wheatley said,
“I have to say that it’s the closest, most collaborative driver pairing, I think I can even remember in all my time in Formula 1. Gabriel has a fantastic work ethic. He has a capacity for taking on new information. He’s proving every way to be the future star that we expected him to be, and Nico is part of that journey with him.”
—Jonathan Wheatley.
Wheatley also emphasized the balance within the team, remarking,
“On the other side of the engineering table, you’ve got this extraordinary experience and Nico’s proven talent.”
—Jonathan Wheatley.
This harmonious pairing has formed the backbone of Sauber’s recent successes and points haul, showing that the team’s faith in the young Brazilian is well placed.
Looking Ahead: Bortoleto’s Growing Status in Formula 1
While other rookies like Isack Hadjar are frequently mentioned as potential rookie of the year contenders, Gabriel Bortoleto’s consistent and composed performances indicate he is a serious candidate for this accolade. His talent and resilience underline why he deserves greater respect and recognition across Formula 1 circles.
With Audi’s Formula 1 ambitions tied closely to the Sauber team, the combined strength of Bortoleto and Hulkenberg ensures the squad is in capable hands as the season progresses. Bortoleto’s rise serves as a reminder that exceptional ability is not always matched by media attention but is crucial for the sport’s future.
