Being a debutant in F1 and having to 'fight' with Alonso in every GP: 'I learn a lot from his masterclasses'
Since Sauber and Aston Martin improved their performance, they have become regular rivals for points. Two of their drivers have already had several duels: Gabriel Bortoleto and Fernando Alonso. The Brazilian has spoken about it.
On paper, Aston Martin and Sauber were not supposed to be rivals this year, so it was unlikely that Fernando Alonso and Gabriel Bortoleto would meet often on the track. In fact, if both teams offered similar performance, it was expected that Nico Hülkenberg would be the one regularly facing the Asturian.
However, things are happening differently, in a way that is very beneficial for a debutant like Bortoleto. Both Sauber and Aston Martin started the season in very poor form, but both teams have improved and are now in a position to fight for points almost every weekend.
Moreover, the Brazilian is positively surprising, and in the last races, he has become the spearhead of Sauber. And thus, the main rival of Fernando Alonso.
“He is not a villain, he has a good heart and helps a lot of people… as he has done with me”
Alonso, the best possible mentor
It just so happens that Fernando Alonso is also the visible face of A14 Management, the representation company that has guided Gabriel Bortoleto in the competitive ladder in recent years.
Therefore, the relationship between them is also personal, allowing the Paulista to delve even deeper into the knowledge of the two-time world champion of Formula 1.
“Not only was he the one who helped me get the contract in Formula 1, he also worked hard to get me a contract in F3, with a great team, he taught me a lot that season and then in F2”, says Bortoleto when asked about Alonso's influence on his professional career.
“I don’t know if I would have won without his teachings… nor if I would have this place in Formula 1. I don’t think I would be here without him”, he adds, also referring to his time as a junior driver for McLaren. “Brown [CEO of McLaren Racing] came to us to make an offer and he was the one who negotiated and spoke several times with Zak, pushing for many things. He was very involved in it.”
“He is a manager and a friend, not a boss.” We do things together, but my bosses are Binotto and Wheatley,” Bortoleto points out. “Fernando has so much experience, so much knowledge of this world… he has helped me a lot both on and off the track. He helped me get into F1, pushing Sauber… we have a relationship of mutual respect.”
Invaluable duels on the track
This year, Bortoleto has had to face Alonso directly several times. Austria, Budapest, or Monza have been some of them, and in all he has received valuable lessons for the future.
“It’s fun, but tough. He is a great driver,” he summarizes at the outset. “He has many tricks, some I don’t know how he does them.” He is very open about many things, but others… perhaps he won’t tell me until he retires. I learned a lot in Budapest from his masterclass on how to conserve tires at the start and push more in the middle and at the end.”
In Austria and Monza, Bortoleto also experienced firsthand how Fernando Alonso uses his rivals' DRS to maintain pace on circuits where the low top speed of the Aston Martin is a significant problem. All very valuable for the promising future that Bortoleto has ahead.
Verstappen also acts as a teacher
Gabriel Bortoleto also has Max Verstappen as a great ally, as they are good friends and share hobbies like Simracing.
“I am an ambassador for his Simracing team, Team RedLine since 2023, although I have known him since 2017, when he was in karting and I took my first photo with him,” explains the Brazilian. “He has helped me a lot over the years, since F3, doing simulations together. I have practiced a lot with him and the guys from his team, they are very smart and surprise you with their talent.”
This allows Bortoleto to know the more personal side of Verstappen, in more private settings. “Just as he is shown on camera, he is also like that off it. Although people don’t usually see his good side. He is not a villain, he has a good heart and helps a lot of people… as he has done with me.”
Audi will win, but it will take time
On a strictly personal level, Gabriel Bortoleto has a tremendously ambitious but also complex project ahead: that of Audi in Formula 1.
Next season, Sauber will become the official team of the German brand, so the demands will grow. And Bortoleto has no doubt that victories will come, although they will take time.
“They have literally won in every project they have been involved in motorsport. The goal here will not be different, although it will take time, it will not be a short road. There are many things to put in place… but I’m sure we will achieve great things,” assures the Brazilian.
“Winning in the first year… I don’t expect it. I understand the expectations because it’s a great brand. Audi hasn’t joined F1 to be in the middle of the grid, they have done it to win, but there is no timing,” he continues. “There are great teams on the grid that have worked here for a long time. We cannot think that Audi will come in and beat them in the first year. There are also very good people in the other teams, and beating them will take time.”
In any case, at just 20 years old, if there is one thing Gabriel Bortoleto has, it is time. And also the two best possible mentors.
Fuente: Formula1.comFotos: David Moreno / Motor.es
