An eighth and ninth place finish for Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg respectively. Sauber is overjoyed with this result after a successful weekend in Austria. It’s the team’s first double points finish since the Qatar GP in 2023. Additionally, rookie Bortoleto scores his first World Championship points with his first top ten finish. This milestone, however, did not come as a surprise to the Brazilian: ‘I’m in Formula 1 for a reason.’
Gabriel Bortoleto spoke to F1TV after the race about how he had to fight for his first World Championship points. “It was the most intense race of my career,” the Brazilian said. “And then there were the blue flags, when Oscar (Piastri, ed.) and Norris could lap us. It was a crazy race, but it was a good fight. I’m especially happy that I could battle with Fernando (Alonso, Bortoleto’s manager, ed.) and score points.” As the icing on the cake, Bortoleto also received the honorary title of Driver of the Day for his race in Austria.”The Brazilian driver is eager for more after his first points finish. “I always knew I could achieve a points finish, I’m in Formula 1 for a reason. It’s especially gratifying for the team that we were finally able to score points, they deserve it. I’m in Formula 1 because I want to win. I won’t be satisfied with just a few points, but it’s certainly a significant achievement,” he said. The Sauber driver was also congratulated by Max Verstappen on this notable milestone.
From Last Place to Points Finish is No Small Feat
Bortoleto was not the only Sauber driver to enjoy success in Austria. Hülkenberg crossed the finish line just behind his Brazilian teammate. “Of course, we were helped somewhat by the fact that several cars dropped out. But it was still a solid race from us. To drive into the points from the last place, that’s not bad,” the German driver modestly stated. Hülkenberg started the Austrian race from the twentieth position.
Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley is naturally thrilled with his drivers’ results, but had secretly hoped for a little more. “It’s frustrating when you’re lapped towards the end of the race. We thought there might have been a better finish position in it for us. And isn’t it great that we can now talk about this? It was truly a solid performance from the team.”
