This week, Helmut Marko made some striking comments about Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian moved up to the premier class with Sauber this year, but was labeled a ‘B-driver’ by the Austrian top advisor. Fernando Alonso, who found this unnecessarily offensive, promised Marko that the young Bortoleto would prove himself on the track.
Media in Melbourne asked Helmut Marko this week to assess the new rookies moving up to Formula 1 this year. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar, who finished behind Bortoleto in the Formula 2 championship last year, was labeled an A-driver by the 81-year-old Marko. Champion Bortoleto, on the other hand, received a B-rating. A remarkable ranking, especially considering the fact that the Brazilian had also won the Formula 3 championship a year earlier.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso defended the 20-year-old Bortoleto, who is not coincidentally affiliated with his own management agency. “I think Helmut (Marko) wanted to defend his drivers, but the facts weigh a bit heavier than his words,” said the Spaniard. “Look at last year’s Formula 2 season: Bortoleto and Hadjar finished in first and second place. They both have an incredible amount of talent and have now made the step to Formula 1.”
Alonso ‘Proud’ of Bortoleto
“Let’s see what the future brings,” Alonso continued. “I wish them both a long and successful career, but what Bortoleto has shown… Winning the Formula 3 and Formula 2 in your debut season? The future will show what else he has in him, but I am very happy and proud of him.” Bortoleto had previously responded respectfully that Marko would regret his comments. “The only thing I can do now is to show on the track that he is wrong,” he said.”
However, the question remains as to how much of an opportunity Bortoleto will get to prove himself at Sauber. The neon-green racing cars consistently finished at the bottom in 2024, and based on the initial tests, we should not expect any change this year. After all, those at the back of the pack tend to attract less attention.
Gabriel Bortoleto has been part of Fernando Alonso‘s management agency since 2022. In 2023, under the watchful eye of the Spaniard, he won the Formula 3 Championship.
