Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has spoken about his growing friendship with four-time world championMax Verstappen, highlighting the support the Red Bull Racingdriver has offered since Bortoleto entered Formula 1 this season. Their relationship goes beyond racing, as the two have been collaborating on simulation setups that have benefitted Bortoleto’s recent performances, especially approaching the 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Bortoleto explained how their connection began during their time in Formula 3, where they bonded over playing the popular video game Call of Duty. This camaraderie has extended into the present, with the drivers exchanging valuable insights on simulators to prepare for upcoming circuits.
The Role of Gaming and Simulator Collaboration in Their Friendship
Reflecting on their shared pastime, Bortoleto said,
“Yeah, it was funny. We played some Call of Duty. That’s how we spend the days, right? And it was good to just have fun and laugh a little bit,”
illustrating how gaming helped build their friendship. He also joked about Verstappen’s knowledge of Portuguese, noting,
“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,”
adding a lighthearted element to their rapport.
Beyond gaming, they spend significant time training together in racing simulators. Bortoleto emphasized the benefits, saying,
“We drive a lot together in the sim and we practise a lot. 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.”
Verstappen’s Mentorship and Its Impact on Bortoleto’s Progress
Bortoleto expressed his gratitude for Verstappen’s unsolicited yet generous guidance, recognizing the value it brings to his career. He remarked,
“I mean, [he’s] a four-time world champ, 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.”
When asked whether Verstappen has adopted a mentor role, Bortoleto shared,
“He started helping me when I was in Formula 3 and we became good friends and I believe he likes me probably. So that’s why. He wants to see me doing well in Formula 1. I always made it very clear that he’s, for me, the top guy in Formula 1. And I really look after what he did and what he’s doing in Formula 1.”
He further said,
“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.”
Possible Future Partnership as Sauber Prepares for Audi Transition
Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations when Sauber will become Audi, Bortoleto expressed openness to the idea of Verstappen joining the team, imagining a strong working relationship.
Image of: Max Verstappen
“Maybe he comes to Audi one day, I don’t know. 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 team-mate in the sense of, when we get a team and bringing the team together, he didn’t win four titles because he was lucky.”
Bortoleto added,
“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.”
Verstappen’s Public Support Reinforces Bortoleto’s Rising Profile
Verstappen’s encouragement has been visible beyond private advice, as he publicly advocated for Bortoleto during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. He insisted,
If I was Sauber I would have signed him already,
urging his team to commit to the young driver. Verstappen highlighted the importance of early integration under a major rule change, saying,
Especially if that’s anyway the future, you know, young drivers. And 2026, big rule change. It’s always good to get used to a team already for a year, make your mistakes here and there, get integrated well, understand the car a bit.
Currently, Bortoleto sits 18th in the driver standings after an impressive debut season. Despite trailing his more experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg by 23 points, the Brazilian has shown consistent pace and reliability, often outperforming Hulkenberg in qualifying sessions.
The Growing Importance of Sim Work and Mentorship in F1 Development
The collaboration between Verstappen and Bortoleto illustrates the increasing role of simulation in Formula 1 driver development. Sharing detailed simulator knowledge not only helps adapt to complex tracks but also transfers strategic insights from a champion to a rookie. Verstappen’s mentorship could accelerate Bortoleto’s learning curve, helping him adapt more quickly to Formula 1 demands.
As Sauber moves toward becoming Audi’s works team in 2026, the continued support from Verstappen may prove pivotal for Bortoleto’s progress and for the team’s preparation ahead of the new regulations. With the sport facing significant technical changes, having a top champion’s advice will be invaluable for any emerging driver.
