Gabriel Bortoleto has only been officially racing in Formula 1 for a mere six months, but he has already formed close friendships with two world champions. The Brazilian reveals how Fernando Alonso took the rookie under his wing during his Formula 3 days, and how his friendship with Max Verstappen was born out of a shared passion for sim racing.
Gabriel Bortoleto made his debut in the premier class this year and started as the rookie with the least Formula 1 experience. The Brazilian had only spent a brief time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car – during a half-day test with McLaren – before he officially became a Sauber driver during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year. Fortunately, the rookie could rely on advice from both Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen.
In 2022, Alonso took Bortoleto under his wing when he signed the Brazilian to his management agency A14. “That was a crucial step,” Bortoleto reflects, speaking to Motorsport.com. “I started that year in Formula 3, and for the first time, I was racing during Formula 1 weekends. I realized that all the teams would be watching, so I often asked Fernando for advice. You would think that someone like Fernando would be too busy, but he always made time for me. He even sometimes sacrificed his breaks. His willingness to help is very admirable.”
Sim Racing with Verstappen
However, the Spaniard was not the only world champion who helped Bortoleto early on his path to Formula 1. The Brazilian also quickly became friends with Max Verstappen. “A friendship emerged thanks to our shared passion for virtual racing and simulators,” says Bortoleto. “We started in early 2023. I was still in my first F3 season, and Max helped me a lot with the simulator. He gave me tips on what I could try, what changes I could make. We meet online, he at his home and I at mine. We play and discuss all sorts of things.”
