Gabriel Bortoleto Formula 1 rookie has emerged as one of the most promising talents on the 2026 grid, having captured consecutive Formula 3 and Formula 2 World Championships in 2023 and 2024. Making his Formula 1 debut with Sauber this season, Bortoleto has showcased competitiveness and poise, while openly acknowledging the sacrifices his brother made to help him reach this stage in motorsport.
Bortoleto’s rise to the top tier of racing was not without challenges, as financial constraints nearly halted his progress. His brother, Enzo, gave up his own racing career, allowing Gabriel the opportunity to continue developing. Enzo previously competed in the BRDC British Formula 3, but stepped aside when resources became limited.
“The person I love the most in my entire life he sacrificed everything he could have had to give me the opportunities. So, he’s the guy that had to go through it all before me, so I didn’t have to. The guy that protected me from everything so I wouldn’t take the punch,”
Bortolet said.
“The decision he made at 16, 17 to stop racing so I could continue because it couldn’t be afforded. He made sure I had a chance to continue, the least I could do for him was I guess was to get to F1, that was our dream as brothers.”
Gabriel Bortoleto Establishes Himself Amid Sauber’s Season
Since joining Sauber, Bortoleto has contributed valuable points as the team rebuilds after several difficult years. His steady performances have helped stabilize Sauber’s position in the Constructors’ Championship, with the team currently holding eighth place. Gabriel’s consistency under race pressure has impressed within a competitive field of drivers, bolstering Sauber’s prospects for improvement.
Teammate Nico Hulkenberg’s Performance and Team Dynamics
Bortoleto’s teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, achieved his first Formula 1 podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix, finishing third after a strong defense against Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari. However, since that result, Hulkenberg has faced a points drought, during which Bortoleto has at times outpaced him in qualifying and race pace.
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley addressed these dynamics, suggesting that Hulkenberg’s recent performance fluctuations are temporary and do not indicate any deeper issues within the team.
“It’s a question that I’m being asked more and more often now. I personally don’t feel there’s any fundamental issue here,”
Wheatley said in Baku.
“Nico is a tremendous, experienced and fast racing driver and many, many times he’s been out-qualified by a thousandth, a hundredth. It’s not always a big thing. I honestly think it’s just transient.”
Wheatley also acknowledged Gabriel’s rapid pace on circuits where he has more experience, noting that competition between the teammates remains healthy and situational.
“Gabriel’s fast as well, and if one of them gets the lap right, one of them is going to out-qualify the other. Gabriel has certainly been at a run of circuits where he’s more familiar with. With Nico, I don’t think there’s anything big to get over. He’ll just string it together.”
Implications for Sauber and Gabriel Bortoleto’s Future Prospects
With 18 points so far this season, Bortoleto has demonstrated his capacity to compete and support Sauber’s campaign effectively alongside Hulkenberg, who leads the team with 37 points. Their combined efforts have positioned Sauber to strengthen its foothold in the Constructors’ Championship, reflecting positive strides made by the team in 2026.
Gabriel’s journey highlights not only his individual talent but also the importance of family support and sacrifice in reaching the pinnacle of motorsport. The story of Enzo’s decision to end his own racing aspirations underscores the determination that fuels Bortoleto’s pursuit of his Formula 1 dreams.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Gabriel Bortoleto Formula 1 performances to see if he can maintain consistency and further unlock his potential while honoring the profound personal legacy that has shaped his path in racing.
