Gabriel Bortoleto

Career to date

Gabriel Bortoleto’s ascent through the junior formulae is characterized by a blend of consistency and rapid adaptation. Born in São Paulo in 2004, Bortoleto followed the traditional path from international karting to European single-seaters, competing in the Italian F4 and Formula Regional European Championships. His definitive breakthrough came in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Driving for Trident, he secured the title in his rookie season, a feat that immediately placed him on the radar of Formula 1 teams. His campaign was defined not just by raw pace, but by a mature ability to manage races and secure points even on difficult weekends.

Following his F3 success, Bortoleto graduated to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024 with Invicta Racing. His transition to the more powerful machinery was seamless; he established himself as a title contender through a series of podiums and high-profile victories. During this period, he was a member of the McLaren Driver Development programme, gaining valuable simulator experience and exposure to the technical requirements of a modern F1 operation. In late 2024, it was confirmed that Bortoleto would join Kick Sauber for the 2025 season, ending Brazil’s multi-year absence from the full-time F1 grid and becoming a key part of the team's transition toward its future as the Audi factory entry.

Driving style

Bortoleto is frequently cited for his analytical approach to racing. Unlike drivers who rely solely on aggressive, high-risk maneuvers, Bortoleto prioritizes tire preservation and strategic positioning. This cerebral style was particularly evident during his Formula 3 title run, where he focused on maximizing championship points over individual race wins when the situation demanded it. His technical feedback is regarded as highly sophisticated for his age, an attribute that likely appealed to the Kick Sauber project as they prepare for the 2026 regulatory shift. On track, he demonstrates a refined ability to maintain car control under braking, often finding time in technical, low-speed sectors where precision is paramount.

Signature moments

The 2023 Formula 3 season opener in Bahrain served as a definitive statement of intent, where Bortoleto took a feature race victory on his debut weekend. This set the tone for a dominant championship run. However, his performance during the 2024 Formula 2 Feature Race at Monza is perhaps his most notable display of resilience. After starting from the back of the grid following a qualifying error, Bortoleto navigated through the field to claim an improbable victory. This performance showcased his overtaking ability and his capacity to remain composed under pressure, qualities essential for the high-stakes environment of Formula 1.

What to watch

As Bortoleto enters his debut season in 2025 with Kick Sauber, the primary focus will be his adaptation to the complexities of Formula 1 power units and hybrid systems. He joins the team at a pivotal moment as they prepare for the 2026 regulatory shift. Observers will be looking at how he compares to his more experienced teammate and how quickly he can influence the development direction of the car. Furthermore, as the first Brazilian driver to hold a full-time seat since 2017, the level of national expectation will be a significant factor in his rookie campaign.