Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley has highlighted Gabriel Bortoleto’s impressive work ethic after the Brazilian driver posted his best finish of the rookie Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Bortoleto secured sixth place at the Hungaroring, earning eight valuable points for Sauber and solidifying his position as a promising newcomer.
Strong driver partnership contributes to Sauber’s success
Wheatley commended the driver duo within the Swiss-based Sauber team, describing it as the most cooperative pairing he has witnessed in his Formula 1 career. Wheatley remarked on the dynamic between Bortoleto and team teammate Nico, emphasizing their complementary strengths and collaboration.
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,
Wheatley explained to Motorsport.com and other media.
He added,
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.
Wheatley also praised Nico’s valuable experience and consistent performance throughout the season:
On the other side of the engineering table, you’ve got this extraordinary experience and Nico’s proven talent. I mean, we’re talking about Gabi a lot today, but Nico did a tremendous job. You don’t really see it or you don’t notice it because it didn’t result in a points finish. But as a team, we’re very pleased with both of our drivers.
Bortoleto’s rookie season progress and adaptability on track
Despite being new to Formula 1, Bortoleto has quickly developed his driving skills, according to Wheatley. The team principal noted that the Brazilian has not completed the extensive testing many drivers experience before their debut.
It’s worth pointing out again that he hasn’t done 10,000 kilometres of testing of previous cars. He hasn’t done 10,000 kilometres in the Formula 1 car. It’s his first season in Formula 1.
Wheatley highlighted Bortoleto’s growth and adaptability on a variety of tracks, some of which the driver has only recently encountered:
There are so many circuits that he’s not been to. And there’s some coming up that he hasn’t been to. He’s been able to deliver brilliantly over the last few races in circuits that he knows. And I think he’s matured as a driver and he’s developed as a driver. And I think he’s going to be able to adapt to these new circuits much quicker than he did in the first half of the season.
Late-night commitment reflects Bortoleto’s maturity and respect for Sauber
Following the first two practice sessions at the Hungaroring on Friday, the Sauber team broke curfew as Bortoleto stayed late to work closely with engineers. Wheatley sees this as evidence of the driver‘s maturity and dedication within the team environment.
Gabriel stayed and came and thanked his crew at the end of the evening. I think that just shows you not only the level of maturity he has, but the level of respect he has for the team.
This dedication to collaboration and learning positions Gabriel Bortoleto as a significant asset for Sauber’s future, with Jonathan Wheatley optimistic about the Brazilian driver’s continuing development throughout the remainder of the Formula 1 season.
With several new circuits approaching in the calendar, Bortoleto’s ability to adapt rapidly will be a key factor as he looks to build on his promising rookie campaign for Sauber.
