Within the McLaren team, some individuals may have a slight preference for one of the two drivers, and according to Gabriel Bortoleto, this is not unusual. The Brazilian emphasizes that such minor preferences are human – without compromising the professionalism of the team.
Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto understands why the bond between Lando Norris and the McLaren team sometimes seems stronger than that with Oscar Piastri. According to the Brazilian, this is nothing more than human – a matter of time, trust, and familiarity, not favoritism. “Norris has been there longer,” Bortoleto explains. “It’s as if I’ve been here at Audi for six or seven years and suddenly a new guy comes in. That feels different. It’s a bit like working with the same colleague for ten years, and then suddenly a new one comes in. You naturally have a stronger bond with the person you’ve been working with longer.”
The former McLaren junior emphasizes that there is no bias within the team. “That doesn’t mean the teams aren’t professional or favoring someone,” he explains. “It’s more a matter of: okay, maybe you like one just a little more than the other. But that’s human.” However, Bortoleto can only judge the atmosphere within the team to a limited extent. The Brazilian was part of the McLaren junior program in the past, but was not closely involved in the Formula 1 operation. “I don’t know exactly what the atmosphere is like there,” he admits. “I was there for a short time and not really involved in Formula 1, I wasn’t constantly present at the races. But I think they both get the same priority within the team.”
Equal Opportunities for Both
With three more Grands Prix and a sprint race to go, the title fight is far from decided. The difference between World Championship leader Norris and teammate Piastri is only 24 points. According to Gabriel Bortoleto, both drivers have identical equipment and all the opportunities to perform. “They both have the same car and can both do a good job. So if one wins and the team seems happier when the other wins, then that’s their problem,” Bortoleto concludes with a wink.
