Max Verstappen has shared his thoughts on the latest addition to the Formula One grid.
Max Verstappen already has a friendship with Gabriel Bortoleto, F1’s newest recruit. The 20-year-old has been recruited as Sauber’s second driver for the 2025 season, joining Nico Hulkenberg at the Hinwil-based team. Bortoleto debuts in F1 with a lot of excitement. The Brazilian is the reigning Formula Three champion, and with two rounds remaining, he is on course to complete the double by winning Formula Two in his first season.
This pedigree, combined with assistance from Fernando Alonso’s management agency and McLaren, where he was a junior driver, enticed Sauber and Mattia Binotto to sign Bortoleto for the 2025 season ahead of incumbents Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. While Bortoleto will see many new faces in the F1 paddock, he can rely on his previous relationships with some current drivers, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen revealed earlier this year: “I actually chat a lot with Gabi and Felipe [Drugovich, Aston Martin reserve driver]. I think they’re excellent drivers. I urged Gabi, “You have to keep pushing and try to win the F2 Championship.” He’s a really sweet child. If he simply keeps working and being himself, he will have a terrific opportunity.
Bortoleto now has the opportunity Verstappen believes he deserves, and he will be paired with a veteran teammate in Hulkenberg when he takes the next step up. With no previous FP1 sessions, he will face a high learning curve. “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not all sports,” Bortoleto stated after his departure was announced. “Joining a squad that combines Sauber and Audi’s great motorsport histories is a privilege.
“More than just being a member, I want to grow with this ambitious enterprise and achieve the summit of motorsport. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with an experienced driver like Nico.Both programs have an established track record of developing young talent, and I am convinced that we will build our own success story.”
Bortoleto is presently part of an extremely large rookie class for 2025. Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan, and Oliver Bearman are all confirmed for next season, while Liam Lawson and maybe Franco Colapinto could begin their first full seasons.
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