Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley has voiced high praise for his rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto, calling the Brazilian “the real deal” as the 20-year-old continues to impress in his debut season. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, Wheatley highlighted Bortoleto’s dedication and natural skill, emphasizing his rapid development within the team.
Experienced Teammate Provides Valuable Mentorship
Alongside Bortoleto, Sauber‘s line-up includes experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg, whose recent success at the British Grand Prix, marking his first podium after 239 races, adds depth to the squad. Wheatley praised Hulkenberg’s calmness and proven speed, noting how his extensive Formula 1 experience benefits the younger driver throughout the season.
“If we just talk about the driver line-up full stop, to be honest, I think it’s incredibly strong, and I’m very, very happy with what we have with Nico – this expertise, this experience, this proven speed, calmness in these situations,”
Wheatley said. “He’s been there, done that.”
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Work Ethic and Development Within Sauber
Wheatley elaborated on Bortoleto’s approach, highlighting the rookie’s exceptional work ethic and eagerness to learn all aspects of performance, from the car’s engineering to track performance. The driver’s engagement extends beyond just racing, involving extensive simulator sessions and close collaboration with the engineering team at the factory.
“He’s getting guidance as to what he should be worried about and what he shouldn’t be worried about. He’s in the factory. He’s doing the simulator sessions. He’s asking where the performance is. He’s the real deal,”
Wheatley remarked.
Strong Team Dynamics and Collaborative Environment
With 35 years of experience in Formula 1, including roles alongside legends such as Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, and Max Verstappen, Wheatley emphasized the exceptional collaboration between his drivers. He considers this pairing of Bortoleto and Hulkenberg the most united he has seen in his extensive career.
“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 stated during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
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.”
Impressive Racing Credentials Highlight Bortoleto’s Potential
Before joining Formula 1, Gabriel Bortoleto secured the 2023 Formula 3 championship with Trident and followed this by becoming one of only seven rookies to claim the Formula 2 title with Invicta the next year. His rapid rise through the junior ranks marks him as an exciting prospect for Sauber and Audi, who manage his progression with backing from Fernando Alonso.
Looking Ahead to the Future With Sauber
Bortoleto’s ability to rapidly absorb information and apply it during races, combined with the mentorship from his seasoned teammate, positions him as a significant asset for Sauber moving forward. Wheatley’s confidence reflects the optimism surrounding the rookie’s potential impact on the team’s results in upcoming seasons, as Sauber aims to leverage his talents fully under Audi’s umbrella.
