A promising talent in the FIA Formula 2 Championship has recently gained traction on the F1 paddock amid links with McLaren and Audi-Sauber for a potential race seat, who is Gabriel Bortoleto?
The Brazilian driver has not only showcased his skills on the track but has also caught the attention of major teams, including McLaren and Audi-Sauber, as they look toward the future of their driver line-ups.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 27, 2005, in São Paulo, Brazil, Gabriel Bortoleto has always had a passion for motorsports. His journey began at a young age, where he quickly demonstrated exceptional talent behind the wheel.
Bortoleto’s career in racing kicked off with karting, where he honed his skills and developed a competitive edge. His determination and talent led him through various racing series in Brazil before making his way to Europe, where he would compete on a larger stage.
Career Progression
Gabriel Bortoleto’s rise through the ranks of motorsport has been nothing short of impressive after making his debut in single-seater racing in 2020, competing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship.
His performance was commendable, finishing third overall and securing multiple podiums. This success paved the way for his move to the Eurocircuit in 2021, where he participated in the Eurocup Formula Renault series and finished 15th overall with one podium.
In 2022, Bortoleto continued to build his reputation by competing in the Formula Regional European Championship and finished the season with several strong finishes including two wins and five podiums to finish sixth overall.
His abilities caught the eye of talent scouts from Formula 3 teams particularly Prema Racing which later signed him for the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship.
FIA Formula 3 Championship
In his rookie season in F3, Gabriel Bortoleto made an immediate impact. Only finishing outside the points three times with one retirement all year he showcased his potential by winning the championship with two races to spare, becoming one of the youngest champions in recent history.
The Brazilian claimed two Feature Race wins at Sakhir and Melbourne and four second-place finishes to win the championship at the first attempt, beating Zak O’Sullivan by 45 points.
His ability to adapt to different tracks and conditions demonstrated not only his driving skills but also his mental fortitude under pressure.
Transition to Formula 2
Following his success in F3, Gabriel Bortoleto was signed by Invicta Racing for the 2024 FIA Formula 2 season. His transition to F2 was closely watched by fans and experts alike, as many speculated whether he could replicate his previous success at a higher level.
As of September 2024, Bortoleto has indeed made waves in F2, currently leading the championship standings with two feature race victories and multiple podium finishes.
His consistent performances have positioned him as a formidable title contender, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young drivers in motorsport.
Current Status with McLaren
Gabriel Bortoleto’s association with McLaren began when he joined their Driver Development Programme shortly after winning the F3 title. The team recognized his potential and invested in his development as a driver.
Recently, the young driver completed his first official test with McLaren’s F1 team at the Red Bull Ring, where he drove a 2022 car as part of their Testing of Previous Cars program.
McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella has expressed confidence in Bortoleto’s abilities and has drawn comparisons between him and Oscar Piastri, another McLaren junior who successfully transitioned to F1 after winning consecutive championships in F3 and F2.
Stella emphasized Bortoleto’s humility and work ethic as key attributes that will aid his growth as a driver.
Potential Move to Audi-Sauber
As discussions about future driver line-ups intensify within the F1 paddock, Gabriel Bortoleto has emerged as a frontrunner for a potential seat at Audi-Sauber for the 2025 season as the team currently evaluates its options as it prepares for transition into Audi’s factory team.
With incumbent driver Valtteri Bottas’ contract expiring soon and uncertainty surrounding his future with Sauber, Bortoleto’s name has come up frequently in conversations about who could partner Nico Hulkenberg next season.
McLaren has indicated that they would not stand in Bortoleto’s way if an opportunity arises for him to secure an F1 seat elsewhere. However, they are also keen on retaining him within their family due to his immense potential.
While Gabriel Bortoleto is managed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 Management – and the two-time world champion has been mentoring and guiding the 19-year-old throughout his blossoming junior career, the young driver is highly tipped to join the F1 ranks quite soon
Key Statistics
- Age: 19 years (as of September 2024)
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Current Team: Invicta Racing (FIA Formula 2)
- Championship Titles:
- FIA Formula 3 Champion (2023)
- Current Position: Leading FIA Formula 2 Championship (as of September 2024)
- Notable Achievements:
- Two feature race victories in F2
- Multiple podium finishes
- Completed first F1 test with McLaren
