Lincoln Oliveira, father of Gabriel Bortoleto, observes how Red Bull has transformed from a dream team to a nightmare for drivers. According to the Brazilian, drivers even joke that they would not answer if the Austrian racing team were to call them about the second seat next to Max Verstappen. ‘Drivers are afraid they will have to take over Tsunoda’s spot,’ says Oliveira.
Gabriel Bortoleto is in his first year in Formula 1, and is making a name for himself. The Brazilian has scored points on multiple occasions, with his sixth-place finish in Hungary being his best so far. A positive trend can also be observed in the young driver’s current team, Sauber, which finished last in the constructors’ championship last year but now sits in eighth place.
According to Bortoleto’s father, Lincoln Oliveira, it is ‘easier’ to help Sauber progress than to solve the current problems at top team Red Bull. “No matter how many things need to be fixed, I would still say it’s easier to handle things internally at Sauber than to repair the entire car at Red Bull, right?” the Brazilian tells UOL Esporte.
Drivers No Longer Answering Calls
The Austrian racing team currently ranks fourth in the constructors’ championship, largely due to the ongoing struggles of second driver Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver is just the latest of Max Verstappen’s teammates to falter, following the likes of Pierre Gasly, Sergio Pérez, and Liam Lawson.
“No driver from the second team (Racing Bulls) wants to go to the main team, Red Bull,” says Bortoleto’s father. “Jokes are even being made: ‘If Red Bull calls, I turn off my phone. I won’t answer.’ Drivers are afraid of having to take over Tsunoda’s seat. This is something that was once a dream and has now become a nightmare.”
