Gabriel Bortoleto secured a career-best P6 at the Hungarian GP, sending a clear message to the grid before the summer break.
Before the season began, Bortoleto was not the most highly anticipated rookie. Despite winning Formula 2 and Formula 3 in his debut seasons, other youngsters – such as Kimi Antonelli – received far more of a spotlight heading into 2025.
Over the course of the year, however, the Brazilian has demonstrated his calibre.
Fernando Alonso calls for Gabriel Bortoleto to receive more recognition
In more ways than one, Sauber have been the surprise package of this year’s campaign so far.
After introducing updates in in Spain, the Swiss outfit have been extremely competitive – scoring points in every round since.
This has catapulted Sauber from last place in the standings to 7th, with fighting Williams and Aston Martin for 5th now a realistic target.
Crucially, Jonathan Wheathely’s team have enjoyed the benefit of having two drivers capable of capitalising on their machinery.
Nico Hulkenberg’s calibre was never in question, even before claiming his maiden F1 podium at the British GP.
What was less clear at the start of the year, inevitably, was how rookie Gabriel Bortoleto would adapt to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Throughout the season, but especially in recent months, Bortoleto has surpassed all expectations.
Aside from his increasingly regular points finishes, the 20-year-old has a winning qualifying head-to-head against his teammate.
Considering Hulkenberg’s pace, this is a very impressive feat. More generally speaking, Bortoleto is arguably the most consistent youngster on the grid, rarely suffering major incidents.
Speaking after the Hungarian GP, Fernando Alonso was full of praise for Bortoleto – who is under his management:
“He always pushes, never makes mistakes,” Alonso told DAZN post-race.
“He’s always there putting pressure on you.
“The best rookie of this generation, I always say it. He proved it last year with equal cars.
“If he were English or something, and finished 6th in a Sauber, he’d be a headline in all the news outlets.
“It’s exceptional what he does, so hopefully people see it.”
Bortoleto and Sauber in-form as summer break begins
It is true that Bortoleto received relatively scarce coverage in the build-up to 2025. Even compared to other rookies, the Formula 2 Champion was often overlooked before the lights went out in Australia.
This can be partially attributed to Sauber’s competitiveness last year, which meant expectations were very low for 2025.
Thankfully for the Brazilian, Sauber are now one of the fastest teams in the midfield.
Critically, the C45 is strong across different circuit configurations and track conditions.
This should give both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg a good platform to fight for points in the remaining 10 rounds.
Based off the reaction to his P6 in Hungary, Bortoleto will have plenty of chances to bolster and improve his reputation.
Ironically, the worry for both Sauber drivers will be about the team’s prospects in 2026.
When Audi making their debut with next year’s regulations, their new power unit will be put to the test.
Considering Audi’s relative inexperience, they could struggle to compete with more established manufacturers.
For Bortoleto and Hulkenberg’s sake, it is essential that the German works’ team can hit the ground running with the next generation of cars.
Main photo: Zak Mauger/LAT Images (via Sauber media gallery)
