Gabriel Bortoleto's meteoric rise from the junior categories to the Formula 1 grid has cemented his place among the sport's brightest talents. Sauber's 2025 rookie has achieved what only a select few—Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri—have: won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles as a rookie. Now, as the first Brazilian F1 driver since Felipe Massa, Bortoleto is ready to carry the hopes of a nation steeped in motorsport history.
From humble beginnings to F1 stardom
Bortoleto's single-seater career began in 2020, and by 2023 he had already won the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. In 2024, he repeated the feat in Formula 2 with Invicta, overcoming early season difficulties to secure the title with courage and determination. Reflecting on his achievements, the 22-year-old said: “It’s not a coincidence. It was a lot of hard work from the team and myself. Consistency has been one of the greatest qualities over these seasons.”
The defining moment of his F2 campaign came at Monza, where he went from 22nd on the grid to victory in the main race. “That was the moment I turned things around,” Bortoleto recalled. “At Monza, I was 38 points behind Isack Hadjar. After that, I took the championship lead in Baku, and everything started to align.”
The weight of expectations and comparisons
Joining Sauber alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg, Bortoleto follows in the footsteps of Leclerc, Russell and Piastri—drivers who made the transition from F2 champions to top-level F1 talents. For the young Brazilian, being compared to such names is both an honor and a challenge.
“It’s a privilege to be included on this list,” Bortoleto said. “These drivers are race winners in F1, strong candidates for future titles, and an inspiration to younger generations. Now it’s about looking forward and seeing what I can do in F1.”
Although his rise has been praised by many, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, who advocated for Sauber to sign him, Bortoleto remains focused on proving his worth on the grid. “Winning in F3 and F2 proved to me that I deserve to be here. I didn't get the contract because of something else. I did this because I deserved it.”
A New Brazilian Hope
Bortoleto enters F1 carrying the flame of a nation that has produced icons like Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet. But the young star isn't satisfied with just representing Brazil—he wants to add his name to the list of champions.
“I'm happy to represent my country, but I'm not completely satisfied with it,” Bortoleto said. “I want to win races in the future, fight for important things, and make my country proud.”
Focus Shifts to Sauber
With Sauber moving to Audi in 2026 under Mattia Binotto, Bortoleto's 2025 season promises to be crucial for both driver and team. Despite intense negotiations for his F1 contract, which concluded during the F2 season break, Bortoleto maintained his focus and delivered performances worthy of a champion.
“Mattia was very, very good,” Bortoleto said of Binotto. “With the results I was achieving in F2, it was clear that we were progressing. With each race I improved my performance as a driver, and the team saw the potential.”
Bortoleto's first experience with the F1 machine came during post-season testing, a moment he described as transformative. “When I got in the Sauber for the test, it felt so, so good. No pressure, just a new start and a new journey.”
The Road Ahead
As he prepares for his rookie F1 season, Bortoleto remains grounded but ambitious. With the backing of Sauber and a nation eager for a new hero, his focus is on growth and performance. “F2 was the goal until I finished the season. Now it's about improving as a driver and progressing in F1,” he said. “Let’s see how this goes.”
Gabriel Bortoleto's journey from junior champion to F1 rookie is a testament to his hard work, talent and determination. As he steps onto motorsport's biggest stage, the Brazilian phenom is ready to make his mark—and perhaps, one day, etch his name in the annals of F1 history.