Over the course of the year, however, the Brazilian has demonstrated his calibre.<\/p>\n
Fernando Alonso calls for Gabriel Bortoleto to receive more recognition<\/h2>\n
In more ways than one, Sauber have been the surprise package of this year’s campaign so far.<\/p>\n
After introducing updates in in Spain, the Swiss outfit have been extremely competitive<\/a> – scoring points in every round since.<\/p>\n This has catapulted Sauber from last place in the standings to 7th, with fighting Williams and Aston Martin for 5th now a realistic target.<\/p>\n Crucially, Jonathan Wheathely’s team<\/a> have enjoyed the benefit of having two drivers capable of capitalising on their machinery.<\/p>\n Nico Hulkenberg’s calibre was never in question, even before claiming his maiden F1 podium at the British GP.<\/p>\n What was less clear at the start of the year, inevitably, was how rookie Gabriel Bortoleto would adapt to the pinnacle of motorsport.<\/p>\n Throughout the season, but especially in recent months, Bortoleto has surpassed all expectations.<\/p>\n Aside from his increasingly regular points finishes, the 20-year-old has a winning qualifying head-to-head against his teammate.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Speaking after the Hungarian GP, Fernando Alonso<\/a> was full of praise for Bortoleto – who is under his management:<\/p>\n “He always pushes, never makes mistakes,”<\/em> Alonso told DAZN post-race.<\/p>\n “He’s always there putting pressure on you.<\/em><\/p>\n “The best rookie of this generation, I always say it. <\/em>He proved it last year with equal cars. <\/em><\/p>\n “If he were English or something, and finished 6th in a Sauber, he’d be a headline in all the news outlets.<\/em><\/p>\n “It’s exceptional what he does, so hopefully people see it.”<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/a> before the lights went out in Australia.<\/p>\n This can be partially attributed to Sauber’s competitiveness last year, which meant expectations were very low for 2025.<\/p>\n Thankfully for the Brazilian, Sauber are now one of the fastest teams in the midfield.<\/p>\n Critically, the C45 is strong across different circuit configurations and track conditions.<\/p>\n This should give both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg a good platform to fight for points in the remaining 10 rounds.<\/p>\n Based off the reaction to his P6 in Hungary, Bortoleto will have plenty of chances to bolster and improve his reputation.<\/p>\n Ironically, the worry for both Sauber drivers will be about the team’s prospects in 2026.<\/p>\n When Audi making their debut with next year’s regulations, their new power unit will be put to the test.<\/p>\n Considering Audi’s relative inexperience, they could struggle to compete with more established manufacturers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/2025-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-Saturday-1024x649.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/2025-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-Saturday-2-1024x683.jpg\")
Bortoleto and Sauber in-form as summer break begins<\/h4>\n