Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto is eagerly anticipating the World Championship finale in Abu Dhabi, featuring Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen. According to the Brazilian, Verstappen has proven himself to be the best driver this season and therefore deserves the world title. However, the rookie refrains from making a definitive prediction, stating, “That’s impossible.”
“What has happened over the past weekends was truly unexpected, so it’s impossible to predict what will happen,” says Bortoleto. “The gap is small, but there’s still a 12-point difference (between Norris and Verstappen). We also know that there’s little competition for Red Bull and McLaren. If Max wins, McLaren will simply be behind. So, it’s definitely not going to be an easy task.” The Brazilian praises Verstappen’s performance this season: “The World Championship is about the best driver in the world, and I think Max has made fewer mistakes than anyone else this year. He has proven that he is the best driver and deserves the title.”
The Sauber driver also considers his own role in the Abu Dhabi race. “I don’t know if everyone pays extra attention during the qualification, as everyone tries to do their best. We are also racing for ourselves. But in the race, you don’t want to be the reason something happens. Even if you’re fighting against them, you never know what can happen. If they’re fighting for the World Championship, it’s because they’re fighting for the win, and realistically, we’re not part of that.” Bortoleto hopes to primarily focus on his own race in Abu Dhabi. “Hopefully, I won’t get involved, so I can run my own race and finish in a good position. If the race gets boring, then I’ll watch,” Bortoleto concludes with a wink.
