Gabriel Bortoleto F1 rookie season is turning heads as the Brazilian driver impresses with Sauber after capturing the 2024 Formula 2 championship. In his first year on the biggest stage, Bortoleto’s determination, growth, and standout performance in Hungary have established him as a significant figure to watch in Formula 1.
From F2 Champion to F1 Contender
Bortoleto’s transition from Formula 2 champion to a Sauber race seat marked a pivotal turning point in his career. The challenge of adapting to F1’s rigorous demands was evident during the initial races, where he faced steep competition and a demanding learning curve. Competing alongside the vastly experienced Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto carved a place for himself by not only learning quickly but also by achieving notable results, including scoring 19 points over the season and securing a memorable sixth-place finish in Hungary, the highlight of his debut year.
Learning the Ropes: Growth Amid Challenges
Throughout the year, Bortoleto continually reflected on his progress as a racer, highlighting the intense development on the technical side of his driving.
“On the racing side, it’s the technical side of things,”
said Gabriel Bortoleto during a media session in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized the value of collaboration with his team and engineers, noting,
“The amount of information I got through the year and the learning I received from the engineers was great.”
Early on, the transition proved daunting. At the previous year’s postseason tests, Bortoleto admitted, “I basically didn’t know anything,” underscoring just how far he has advanced in understanding and communicating the car’s needs.
Impressive Qualifying Battles with Hulkenberg
One standout feature of Bortoleto’s rookie campaign was his rivalry with teammate Hulkenberg in qualifying sessions. Both drivers found themselves evenly matched, ending the Grand Prix qualifying battles at 12-12 and the Sprint Qualifying duels at 3-3 apiece. For a newcomer, equaling a veteran like Hulkenberg was a significant achievement. Bortoleto himself proudly pointed out,
“There was a period where I was ahead of him every quali,”
reflecting his capacity to push the limits and maximize the car’s performance on Saturdays throughout the season.
Team Praise and Recognition
The efforts and progress of Bortoleto did not go unnoticed by leadership within Sauber. Jonathan Wheatley, the team principal, commended the young driver’s discipline and approach:
“He’s doing everything right, and he’s on schedule,”
highlighting the foundations Bortoleto is building within the engineering team. Wheatley further noted the maturity displayed by the rookie, stating,
“He’s tempering his frustration and understands that the team’s on a journey.”
His final verdict on Bortoleto’s start in Formula 1 was clear—“It’s a pretty outstanding season.”
Looking Ahead: New Challenges and Rising Expectations
As Bortoleto prepares for his sophomore year in the sport, anticipation mounts, especially with Audi taking the reins as Sauber’s owner. The transition to new ownership brings with it both higher hopes and bigger burdens for the team and its drivers. Bortoleto remains grounded, openly acknowledging the realities of continuing to develop against more seasoned competitors.
“It was obviously a rookie season,”
he said, recognizing the valuable but challenging nature of his first year. The learning process is ongoing, as he added,
“There are still gaps, and it keeps increasing,”
a nod to the depth of experience in the Formula 1 paddock.
With Audi’s ambitious entry as a works team, Bortoleto knows the responsibilities are set to expand.
“There will definitely be more responsibilities to take and to do,”
he explained, alluding to the upcoming task of helping the team build a competitive car and power unit fit for the new era. His mindset remains future-focused and optimistic:
“It’s the start of a project, and a new generation of cars.”
Poised for a Bright Future in Formula 1
As the 2026 season looms and excitement builds for Audi’s arrival, the spotlight will stay on Gabriel Bortoleto. With a remarkable rookie year completed, he is now positioned as a core part of Sauber’s—and Audi’s—plans for a resurgence in competitiveness. His maturity, on-track sharpness, and honest self-reflection have already won respect across the motorsport community. The question remains whether Bortoleto can capitalize on these foundations and lead his team into a new, successful chapter. For now, one thing is clear—Gabriel Bortoleto is emerging as one of the most intriguing prospects in Formula 1.
