Gabriel Bortoleto doesn’t believe racing alongside Max Verstappen is an impossible assignment. The four-time world champion has cycled through a notable string of team-mates in recent years; this year Isack Hadjar is the fourth driver in less than two years to get the shot alongside Verstappen. Where many drivers primarily see the pressure and the risks, Bortoleto instead focuses on the opportunities the Dutchman brings.
Max Verstappen played an important mentoring role last year for several rookies, including Gabriel Bortoleto. The two drivers share a passion for sim racing and were frequently spotted together in the paddock. Bortoleto has spoken only positively in the media about Verstappen and his commitment to young talent. German outlet SpeedWeek.com asked the Brazilian whether he would be up for a genuine partnership with the Dutchman.
‘Only if he comes to Audi’
“Maybe Max will one day move to Audi, who knows,” he laughed. “As friends we work very well together. He helps me a huge amount. That’s why I also believe he could be a very good team-mate.” According to Bortoleto, Verstappen’s influence runs far deeper than raw pace. “When he joins a team, he knows how to unite everyone. He didn’t win four world titles by chance,” the 21-year-old driver explained. “He became champion with a team that wasn’t a champion when he arrived. He helped build Red Bull and made it start winning.”
From that, Bortoleto draws a clear conclusion. “That’s why I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to work with him,” he concluded. “Of course, only if he comes to Audi, because I’m absolutely satisfied with my team and the project we have here.” Bortoleto made his debut at Sauber last year, where he put in a number of impressive performances. In 2026 the team will be transformed into an Audi works team, with the Brazilian regarded as the future frontman alongside Formula 1 veteran Nico Hülkenberg.
