Gabriel Bortoleto’s first Formula 1 season is turning heads, especially Fernando Alonso’s. The two-time world champion called the young Brazilian “the best of this generation,” even if Bortoleto only has four points after 12 races. Why such high praise for a driver ranked 19th in the standings? The answer lies in his background and his fight on track.
Bortoleto arrived in F1 with an impressive résumé: back-to-back titles in F3 and F2, both won as a rookie. That alone is a rare feat. He did it without the usual support systems, no older-car testing, no extra development programs. Just raw talent and consistency. Alonso, who manages Bortoleto via his company A14 Management, believes the results in equal machinery speak for themselves. “Eventually over the long term he will always come out as the best,” Alonso declared.
Currently racing with Sauber alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg, Bortoleto is part of the team’s transition into the Audi works squad. Despite limited machinery, both drivers have shown glimpses of progress. According to Alonso, they’ve brought “new motivation” to a team that struggled in 2024. That sentiment was visible during the Austrian Grand Prix, where the rookie pushed Alonso to the limit.
A respectful duel and a glimpse of the future
During the final laps of Spielberg, Bortoleto had DRS and was poised to strike. However, a blue flag for race leader Lando Norris forced both to lift. Bortoleto crossed the line eighth, his first points in F1, just behind Alonso. “I was lucky, without the blue flags, I had no chance to keep him behind.” claimed him.
Their duel echoed simulator and karting battles the two have shared. It ended with respect and satisfaction on Alonso’s part. “This time I crossed the line first, so that gives me some satisfaction” he added, smiling. Bortoleto may not have the numbers yet, but he has the respect of a legend. And in Formula 1, that’s often the first step toward greatness.