Gabriel Bortoleto’s rise in motorsport has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 20 years old, he is set to join the 2025 Formula 1 grid with Kick Sauber, marking the culmination of a meteoric rise that began in 2020 with his debut in single-seaters in Italian Formula 4. After an impressive rookie year in Formula 3, where he claimed the title in 2023, Bortoleto quickly proved himself again in Formula 2, becoming only the fourth driver in history to secure back-to-back titles in both tiers, following in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.
Reflecting on his achievements, Bortoleto expressed pride in joining this elite group of drivers, stating, “For me, it’s an honor to be amongst these names… they’re race winners and future title contenders in Formula 1, so for me, it’s a privilege to be part of that list.” His consistency was a hallmark of his title wins, as he scored regularly and remained a contender despite early setbacks in both seasons.
Bortoleto’s breakthrough moment came during the 2024 Formula 2 season, with a historic win at Monza where he overcame a poor qualifying performance and won from 22nd on the grid. This victory marked a turning point in his season, where he ultimately claimed the championship after a strong run of results. Despite the growing attention and talks with Kick Sauber, Bortoleto remained focused on his performance, impressing team principal Mattia Binotto with his ability to handle pressure while negotiating his future.
Representing Brazil in Formula 1 is a dream come true for Bortoleto, who proudly sported an Ayrton Senna-inspired helmet during the 2024 season, a tribute to his hero after receiving permission from the Senna family. As the youngest Brazilian to compete in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2002, Bortoleto is driven by a desire not only to represent his country but to win races and establish his own legacy in the sport.
Looking ahead, Bortoleto is determined to grow as a driver, with his sights set on improving and fighting for victories in Formula 1.
