Formula 1 paddock, and there’s just one name that they’ll mention when talking about upcoming talent and unrealized potential: “Gabi.” As someone with years of experience across several F1 teams conveyed to me, “he possesses the same caliber of talent as Max and Kimi, but possibly an even greater work ethic.” Those words may spark debate, but after my interactions with the young Brazilian multiple times earlier this season, they aptly capture Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto.
Bortoleto’s narrative is widely recognized by now: a young man who landed a chance to race karts after his family members found acclaim in motorsport. His father, Lincoln, gained immense popularity in the Stock Car Pro Series, a beloved championship in Brazil; Lincoln now acts as its CEO. His brother, Enzo, competed in karts, continuing to F4 and British Formula 3. To say that motorsport is in their family’s blood would be an understatement.
It’s also understood that Enzo made a tremendous sacrifice—the sacrifice—to ensure his brother could keep racing. Despite possessing the talent and a defined path to ascend the ranks of open-wheel racing, the elder sibling hung up his helmet so the younger could carry on. Notably, even with all the resources the affluent and well-situated family could assemble, the journey to the top is so fierce and costly that both parents and siblings recognized there was only enough to elevate one Bortoleto to F1. All hopes were pinned on Gabriel.
This heartfelt dedication and steadfast support from Enzo and the entire family continues to inspire the young Audi driver today and will remain a force throughout his career. It’s what the family has prioritized for most of his life, but crucially, it’s what he has diligently pursued since childhood. However, let’s be honest, at 21, he is still indeed a child—a fact I’m acutely aware of since my son is just a year younger than him.
Known of his background when I conversed with Bortoleto for a discussion earlier this summer, I delved into various queries that probed deeper and hopefully revealed his character: how passionate, driven, and grateful he is about his origins, his current status, and his trajectory in his exciting and tumultuous F1 career. I believe you’ll concur that he was receptive. Obrigado, Gabi.
Jerry Perez: When you first got into a kart at around six years old, who did you envision being while behind the wheel?
Gabriel Bortoleto: No, not particularly, no one. I just wanted to be myself. I was quite young, you know; at that age, you don’t pretend to be anyone. You simply want to have fun and enjoy driving. Ayrton [Senna] was my idol, and it was always clear that I wanted to be like him, but I didn’t act as if I were him.
What I meant is that often when you play soccer or basketball or any sport you enjoy as a kid, you role-play and pretend to be one of the big stars of the moment.
That’s a valid point because in soccer, I used to do that. When I played, I wanted to be Neymar, or Messi, or Ronaldinho, but not in karting. In karting, I always wanted just to be myself—I wanted to drive.
During your initial karting years, who did you admire in F1 at that point?
Felipe Massa; he was a remarkable Brazilian driver. Nevertheless, I was always a tremendous, tremendous fan of Ayrton. I truly appreciated the way Ayrton drove; I admired his bold and vibrant helmets, and as a kid, when you’re six years old, that’s fascinating. He was very impressive.
Did you change your favorite F1 drivers as you grew older?
The reality is, as soon as Max [Verstappen] entered F1, I became a fan of his. I really admired how he drove, how young he was, and the remarkable performances he delivered right from the start.
How was the transition from karting to F4—what was the biggest challenge in moving from a kart to a formula car?
[I had] to adjust to an entirely different driving style. Karting is an excellent foundation, but most of the time you don’t have gear shifts in karting and things like that, and then you move to F4, and it’s a completely different car. It actually feels like there’s less grip than in karting, and it’s quite a tough car to handle because it’s vastly different from what you previously drove—and also from what you’re going to drive in the future. But yeah, it wasn’t that hard; it was just a different adjustment process.
I’d like to know about those intervals between championships, between teams, those often stressful off-seasons when there’s always a risk that the next seat may not manifest, that next chance may never come. Is there one specific moment that stands out?
I think it was the off-season leading into 2021: we chose a team that wasn’t very strong, the owner had some issues, and the team wasn’t performing well. Then we had to switch teams at the last moment; we didn’t have many choices. I ended up with a decent team after all, but we were okay—not top-3—but we did achieve a few podiums that season and earned some points. It [turned into] a fantastic season for me.
There must have been a time when you thought your career might be over and thought, “Maybe this is where I can’t make the next step?”
I don’t think there ever was such a moment. To be honest, I’m quite a believer, you know. I’m realistic too, but I’ve always been a believer, so for me, there wasn’t this moment. I believe the closest to that was after F3, transitioning to F2. Everything seemed fine; I was leading the championship, but I didn’t yet have a spot in F1, so I was unclear about my career’s next steps. I wanted to be in F1, and I didn’t even know if I’d keep racing [in general] if I didn’t secure a place. So yeah, it was just a point where I was uncertain about what was next, and it was intriguing for me as it was the first time I’d experienced that. Eventually, I got the F1 seat, and now happy days—we’re living a big dream.
You have gone through this journey at a remarkably young age—I mean, you’re still quite young! Do you think this prepares you early for the harsh reality of F1?
I believe so because it strengthens you, you know? There’s no perfect life, where you experience only good times. This has never been the case for any driver. So I think this is vital for shaping you as an individual, especially when you face challenging moments in F1, because they will occur. You must be able to navigate through them with friends, maintain mental toughness, and just stay strong and move on, you know? You need to grasp what you need to improve to become a better person and driver. I think I learned this at an early age.
You mentioned something I noted: your mental resilience. How do you cultivate mental strength, especially as a teenager?
That’s a tricky question (laughs). I honestly don’t know. You just experience moments, you know, you go through things, and you prepare. I think it’s about who you are, the ambitions you hold, how much you’re willing to sacrifice in life to reach your dreams and goals. If you’re ready to give everything to become a world champion one day, nothing will deter you, and your mental strength will always be at its peak, because nothing will halt you. If you’re not entirely passionate about it, or you are passionate but not enough to endure the tough times, then perhaps you don’t deserve to achieve greatness at all. That’s how I see it.
How vital has your family been throughout these moments—your parents, your brother, everyone?
Everything—they mean the world to me. They’ve stood by me through every second of my career and have never let me down. They ensured that I kept my ambitions, goals, and dreams alive and never wavered in their support. That has made me a better driver and a stronger person, too.
Father-son relationships can be complex. I recently spoke with Mick Schumacher, who mentioned that Michael never pressured or forced him to race and took a very laid-back approach. Then there’s Max, who has been very vocal about how demanding Jos was with him as a child. How would you describe yours?
My father was always encouraging, but never forceful in any way. He was always clear about the sacrifices my family was making to allow me to race. From the age of 10 or 11, it was very apparent that [they were saying], “Okay, our lives completely shifted because of you [racing].” It was a form of pressure imposed on me, but in a positive light. My dad never exerted any negative pressure; rather, he made it clear that “we’re all in on you,” along with his company. He’s a successful man, but all the effort my brother sacrificed by stopping racing for me was significant. My dad always wanted me to work hard. If I was lazy, he’d come and call me out on it, you know? He would speak honestly to me, but I never really gave him many chances to do that, to be entirely frank with you. I’ve always understood what I needed to do and the hard work required. The only time he had to call me out was at the start of my career when I wasn’t enthusiastic about simulators because I wasn’t the greatest at them. He would say, “You’re too lazy, and you’re not performing well in the sim; that’s why you don’t enjoy it. But if you practice, improve, and strengthen your skills, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, so don’t be lazy and get to work.” So I followed that advice and became a very competitive sim driver—and then I started to enjoy it (laughs). He was spot on.
I’ve heard that you now spend a lot of time in the simulator, so clearly whatever he said did the trick.
It did, indeed. Big hero.
Finally, this role with Audi. I would describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start with what’s essentially a new team. How do you maximize this opportunity right now?
The best thing I can do is comprehend the brand I’m representing and give my utmost for it. There are numerous individuals working hard to elevate us in F1; they aim to replicate their successes outside of F1 here. It’s a significant responsibility, and I’ll give it my all. I will forfeit everything to help this team reach the top and win with them.
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**Gabriel Bortoleto: Devoted to Absolute Sacrifice for Formula 1 Achievement**
Gabriel Bortoleto, an emerging figure in the motorsport arena, has caught the eye of Formula 1 fans and experts alike through his steadfast commitment and determination to attain success in the fiercely competitive landscape of Formula 1 racing. Hailing from Brazil, Bortoleto’s ascent to the heights of motorsport is characterized by relentless effort, sacrifice, and an indomitable passion for racing.
From a young age, Bortoleto exhibited an innate talent for racing. He began karting at eight years old, swiftly establishing a reputation in local competitions. His early triumphs in karting laid the groundwork for a career that transitioned through various junior formulas, including Formula 4 and Eurocopa, where he demonstrated exceptional driving capabilities and determination.
Bortoleto’s dedication to success transcends mere ability; it involves a total relinquishment of personal and social life. The demanding training schedules, travel commitments, and the mental and physical strains of racing necessitate a degree of dedication that few can equate. Bortoleto has frequently articulated the sacrifices he has made, including time spent away from family and friends, as well as the intense focus necessary to preserve peak performance both on and off the track.
In 2023, Bortoleto made notable advancements in his career by securing a seat in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, a vital step towards Formula 1. His performances in F2 have been marked by consistency and resilience, earning him respect among peers and interest from F1 teams. Bortoleto’s ability to acclimatize to various circuits and conditions aptly showcases his work ethic and commitment to perpetual growth.
Additionally, Bortoleto recognizes the significance of mental strength in racing. He has dedicated time to cultivating a solid mental foundation, collaborating with sports psychologists to enhance his focus, quick decision-making, and emotional resilience. This comprehensive approach to training distinguishes him from many competitors, positioning him as a strong contender for future prospects in Formula 1.
Bortoleto’s journey is also characterized by the encouragement of his family and a devoted team of coaches and mentors who have advised him throughout his career. Their belief in his potential has driven his ambition and reinforced his commitment to making the necessary sacrifices for success. He consistently highlights the role of teamwork in realizing his goals, acknowledging that individual achievements in motorsport are seldom accomplished in solitude.
As Bortoleto continues to ascend the motorsport ranks, his story inspires aspiring drivers globally. His dedication, fortitude, and readiness to sacrifice for his dreams exemplify the essence of Formula 1. With each race, he edges closer to his ultimate objective of competing at the highest echelon, embodying the idea that success in Formula 1 entails not only speed but also an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, Gabriel Bortoleto’s pledge to total sacrifice for Formula 1 success reflects his passion for racing and his resolve to confront the challenges that lie ahead. As he progresses in honing his skills and accumulating experience, the motorsport community watches in eager anticipation to see how his journey unfolds, hoping he will eventually achieve his dream of standing on the Formula 1 grid.