Gabriel Bortoleto is determined not to be swept away by fame and status in Formula 1. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who had his debut season with Stake F1/Sauber in 2025, emphasizes that he wants to remain true to himself at all costs. To reinforce this, he has even given a striking instruction to his immediate environment.
“I have not changed at all,” Bortoleto told F1.com. “I think I have learned various things to manage my time better. But as far as my personality and everything around it is concerned, I don’t think I have changed. I enjoy making people smile and making the people around me happy. I think that’s very important. I try to be like that. That’s just who I am.”
The Sauber driver is simultaneously aware of how treacherous the world of Formula 1 can be. “I think it’s very easy in Formula 1, because you become a bit famous and people then start to change and are not really the same person anymore. So far, I see no reason to change,” said Bortoleto.
‘No blows yet’
To keep himself sharp, Bortoleto has made a humorous agreement with friends and team members. “I always joke with my friends and even with people within the team. I said: if I change one day, give me a slap in the face. So far, I have not received any blows!”
In addition to his personal development, Bortoleto is also looking forward to the future of his team. Sauber is preparing for the transformation into the Audi F1 team in 2026, under the leadership of team boss Jonathan Wheatley. Both Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will remain on board. “I am excited to start this new project,” said Bortoleto.
