Gabriel Bortoleto has expressed optimism about the prospect of partnering with Max Verstappen as teammates if the Dutch driver ever decided to join Audi. The Brazilian rookie and the four-time Formula 1 World Champion have developed a friendship based on their shared interests in Call of Duty and sim racing, with Bortoleto openly inviting Verstappen to join him at Audi should the opportunity arise.
How Sim Racing and Gaming Strengthened Their Friendship
In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Bortoleto has emerged as a promising talent, scoring points in four of the last six races. Alongside his growing reputation on the track, he has built a close rapport with Verstappen off the circuit. Their friendship includes playing video games like Call of Duty and sim racing together from their homes, where Verstappen has even shared tips on how to navigate corners more effectively.
The connection between them began in 2023 when Bortoleto was competing in Formula 3, and has since grown stronger despite their current status as competitors in Formula 1.
“Yeah, it was funny. We played some Call of Duty. That’s how we spend the days, right?”
— Gabriel Bortoleto, Italian Grand Prix
“And it was good to just have fun and laugh a little bit,”
he added, joking about Verstappen’s Portuguese language skills.
“You should ask him the words he knows! It’s very bad ones, so I cannot say it here. He loves to say them when it’s not live!”
— Gabriel Bortoleto
Bortoleto has been fortunate to receive advice from Verstappen during their sim racing sessions. The Sauber driver explained how Verstappen freely offers guidance on tackling specific corners and shares insights on tracks, enhancing Bortoleto’s development as a first-year Formula 1 driver.
“We drive a lot together in the sim and we practice a lot,”
Bortoleto said, highlighting the benefits of their shared training.
“I would say this is always helpful, tracks he already knows, tips he gives about corners, and things that I should be looking at. It’s always very good, the tips he gives to me.
I mean, [he’s] a four-time world champion, so he achieved a lot in his career, and I’m super glad to have someone like him being very helpful.”
“Because sometimes I don’t even ask, it’s coming from him. And obviously, you need to be curious, but it’s very nice to have someone like this. And he has zero interest at the end of the day. He’s not working with me in any sense and helping me a lot, so I’m grateful.”
— Gabriel Bortoleto
Asked whether Verstappen’s assistance felt like mentorship, Bortoleto said their friendship started in Formula 3 and suggested that mutual respect and shared enthusiasm help maintain their bond.
“So I think probably he likes it. I don’t know, you should probably ask him why he takes me under… I don’t know the answer. Again, probably because he likes me and I try, I show him that I’m really into simulators and stuff that he likes and that I love as well, and we do it together.”
— Gabriel Bortoleto
Possibility of Teaming Up at Audi
Bortoleto is currently contracted to drive with Sauber, which transitions into the Audi works team for the upcoming season. While a move to Red Bull seems unlikely for him in the near term, Verstappen’s contract situation leaves open some future choices as his current deal extends only through 2026, with an option for 2028.
Bortoleto said he would be pleased if Verstappen eventually joined Audi, emphasizing how well they collaborate and how highly he regards Verstappen’s accomplishments and teamwork skills.
“Maybe he comes to Audi one day, I don’t know!”
Bortoleto said with a laugh.
“I mean, as a friend and everything, we work very well together. He helps me a lot. I really believe he can be a very good teammate in the sense of, when we get a team and bring the team together, he didn’t win four titles because he was lucky.
He won it because he was in a team that, when he got there, was not a world championship team, and then he built it up with them and made them win.”
“So I believe maybe working together wouldn’t be a bad thing. But again, if he comes to Audi one day… I’m happy where I am. And I am very glad with the project we have.”
— Gabriel Bortoleto
Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley Applauds Bortoleto’s Growth
Alongside Bortoleto’s personal progress, Sauber’s technical improvements have led to enhanced performance on track. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley has praised the young driver’s dedication and maturity as he adapts to the challenges of Formula 1 racing.
Wheatley emphasized Bortoleto’s eagerness to learn and his ability to handle difficult moments constructively.
“The way he’s developing. I couldn’t ask more as a team principal, he’s doing everything that you want from a young driver, showing incredible maturity, and when the car’s capable, he delivers.”
— Jonathan Wheatley
Bortoleto’s rapidly growing experience and the support from experienced champions like Verstappen may play a key role in his future success within Formula 1, especially as Audi strengthens its presence in the sport.
