Gabriel Bortoleto has highlighted a piece of crucial advice from Max Verstappen that deeply impacted his first year in Formula 1. The Brazilian driver made his F1 debut last season with Sauber, where he partnered with Nico Hulkenberg and quickly adjusted to the challenges of the championship while earning 19 points.
Bortoleto’s rookie campaign featured notable highs alongside inevitable challenges, including a severe crash during the Sprint at his home race in Brazil. Throughout the year, Verstappen, a consistent supporter of Bortoleto, provided steady encouragement and valuable insights.
Lessons on Mistakes and Growth From a Four-Time World Champion
When discussing the most important advice from Verstappen, Bortoleto found it difficult to select just one, as the champion shared numerous helpful tips. He recalled a particular message that resonated strongly with him recently: rookie drivers should not be overly worried about making mistakes during their debut season.
Bortoleto explained that Verstappen emphasized the inevitability of mistakes and their role as key learning opportunities.
“Mistakes are the moments that you improve the most and they’re going to happen to everyone,”
he said. Bortoleto added that he shouldn’t be hard on himself for errors, as they are bound to occur and must be used as lessons to progress.
The simplicity of this message was powerful, especially coming from a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.
“It’s a simple thing that a lot of people say, but when you hear it from someone who’s achieved so much in the sport, it means a lot more,”
Bortoleto noted.
Next Phase: Transition to Audi’s F1 Team
Bortoleto is preparing for a new chapter as he switches alongside Hulkenberg to the incoming Audi Formula 1 team, which will take over the Sauber entry starting in 2026. This move represents the continuation of his growing career in F1, backed by valuable experience and guidance from seasoned champions.
As he develops within Audi, the lessons from Verstappen will likely remain an essential part of Bortoleto’s approach to racing and overcoming challenges in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
