Gabriel Bortoleto is a 20-year-old driver from São Paulo. As he prepares for that next big step – this week’s Monaco Grand Prix – he is preparing for another momentous milestone. This year’s event would be the first time a Brazilian raced in the iconic race since Felipe Massa back in 2017. Bortoleto races this season for Sauber. He wants to impress as much as anything given his tough start to life in Formula One where he’s yet to score a point after seven races.
As he heads into this intense, high-pressure environment, Bortoleto can think back on the example and legacy of Brazilian racing icons. His father would then regale them with stories about the legendary driver Ayrton Senna. These stories ignited a passion in him to learn about the sport’s legacy and the monumental expectation of playing for Brazil on such a massive stage. It’s very clear – I mean, I feel it,” said Bortoleto. It’s evident for me, as I am the only one in this series representing my country, and the love by the fans is indescribable.
Aiming for Growth and Development
Bortoleto’s path through the motorsport ladder thus far has been filled with moments of success and glory. He sealed the Formula 3 championship in 2023. In 2024, he won the title in Formula Two! These great achievements show just how much of a star Lindor could one day be in Formula One. For him, the 2025 season will be about learning, not winning right away.
Bortoleto expressed his desire to improve, both personally and as a driver. He’d hoped that one day he’d be able to steer a team into strong title contention and eventually contend for a title himself. He’s currently under contract with Sauber through 2026. He’s still looking forward to the team’s move into the Audi factory outfit next season. This major shift is met with great representation and suspense, as he does whatever it takes to prove his worth and navigate the cutthroat world of Formula One.
Sauber are in dire straits indeed, as they are currently dead last in the ten-team championship. All that said, Bortoleto remains hopeful that the tide will turn. I don’t want to be a guy that just comes and scores a few points. Who thinks about the guys who get 2 points and go P13 in the championship,” he said. He underscored his ambition to do so much more than far exceed the points dance.
Facing New Challenges
Bortoleto’s transition into Formula One has introduced him to experiences he had not encountered before, including navigating blue flags—a signal indicating faster cars are approaching. “I’ve never seen a blue flag in my life prior to Formula One,” he said. This only sharpens the steep learning curve he is up against in this rarefied air of competition.
After seven races so far with no points scored yet, Bortoleto admits that has been a tough beginning. “It’s not nice to not have points,” he admitted, “but I really don’t care because my target in Formula One is not to score one point and ‘now I have a point in the season.’” This perspective truly embodies his all-in commitment to succeeding in the sport for the long haul.
Bortoleto next prepares for the glamour of Monaco. He’s focused on getting as much learning as he can and meeting the special challenges of one of racing’s most legendary layouts. I’m hoping to become a blue flagging people graduate someday. Patience is the name of the game, and I believe that will pay off over the course of my Formula One career, which I hope will be a long one.
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