Gabriel Bortoleto, a rising star in the racing world, revealed that Max Verstappen provided valuable guidance as he navigated major career decisions, notably his contract with McLaren. This example of mentorship offers insight into the friendships that influence decisions in Formula 1, and also showcases the importance of trusted advice for young drivers seeking a footing in the sport. The topic of Max Verstappen McLaren contract advice underscores the crucial conversations that can shape an athlete’s journey, particularly when it involves joining high-profile teams.
Bortoleto, who captured the Formula 3 crown in 2023 and proceeded to secure the 2024 Formula 2 championship, reflected on the depth of Verstappen’s involvement in his path through the ranks. Coming under the guidance of Fernando Alonso’s A14 management following his F3 success, Bortoleto signed on as a McLaren junior—an opportunity that proved pivotal for his climb.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s development as a driver included multiple conversations with Verstappen, whose insight helped shape not just the decision to join McLaren but also later choices, including a move to Sauber. With McLaren lacking a Formula 1 seat for him in 2025, Bortoleto transitioned to Sauber, impressing in his rookie campaign and setting the stage for his future when the team becomes Audi for the 2026 F1 season. Alongside teammate Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto now looks ahead to the Audi F1 era, backed by formative experiences with established figures in the paddock.
A Deep Friendship and Trust in F1 Circles
Gabriel Bortoleto described his long-standing friendship with Max Verstappen, highlighting the closeness that developed through years spent together in the racing world. He explained how these ties strengthened as they competed in Formula 1, often found together during streams or gaming sessions away from the track. This camaraderie, Bortoleto noted, goes beyond what fans and media typically observe.
I have had a great friendship with Max for a long time already,
Bortoleto told RacingNews365.
Bortoleto emphasized that Verstappen’s support has extended far beyond public view. He recounted regularly seeking Verstappen’s perspective on various opportunities, especially contract discussions both during his junior years and as he approached deals with McLaren and Sauber. According to Bortoleto, Verstappen has always offered candid opinions, without steering his decisions but providing the benefit of his own experience.
“What many people don’t know,” Bortoleto says, is just how present Verstappen has been throughout his journey, always willing to lend an ear or share practical advice. The support has grown even as Bortoleto matured into a competitor on the Formula 1 grid, and their bond has been reinforced through shared sim practice and strategic exchanges behind the scenes.
Hopefully, I have helped him as well. I try to push him, but I definitely have a lot more to learn from him than him from me.
Bortoleto added, reflecting both humility and ambition as he continues to learn from established names like Verstappen.
Verstappen’s Endorsement Beyond Contracts
Max Verstappen’s involvement with Bortoleto extended into public advocacy within the Red Bull camp. Even before Bortoleto debuted in Formula 1, Verstappen vouched for the young Brazilian’s talent, urging his own team to keep track of Bortoleto’s progress and potential.
I already said to the team before you [Bortoleto] even got to Formula 1, ‘keep an eye on Gabi,’
Verstappen shared on the Pelas Pistas podcast. This direct endorsement highlights how internal recommendations from established stars can influence perceptions within top teams like Red Bull.
Verstappen also addressed his own future in the sport, clarifying that while his contract runs until 2028, his plans after that remain undecided. He conveyed genuine hope that Bortoleto would find opportunities to compete for top positions—and perhaps, one day, line up as a teammate in a top contender’s garage.
So I hope, let’s say, in general, I just hope for Gabi, that he gets an opportunity within the next three, four years, of course, to be really competitive in the front and fight for podiums and then, if that’s in the same team, I mean, even better, because that means that we are both fighting for the best positions.
This outlook hints at an aspiration not just for personal success, but for the future of promising drivers like Bortoleto as well.
Looking Forward: The Influence of Mentorship in F1
The story of Max Verstappen’s McLaren contract advice to Gabriel Bortoleto underscores the critical importance of mentorship and relationships for emerging drivers as they shape the course of their racing careers. Having influential allies in the paddock, such as Verstappen or Fernando Alonso, can grant young talents the confidence and insights necessary to navigate complex decisions and the intense scrutiny of the Formula 1 ecosystem.
While it remains to be seen whether Verstappen and Bortoleto will ever partner as teammates in Formula 1, the professional and personal support revealed here reflects the underlying dynamics that often shape success in motorsport. With Bortoleto stepping into the Audi F1 era alongside seasoned names like Nico Hulkenberg, and under the watchful eyes of veteran drivers and managers, his future trajectory will continue to be informed by the voices of those who have come before him. Such connections, built on respect and honest advice, frequently mark the difference between stagnancy and a breakthrough in the highest tiers of racing.
