From Autosport · Roberto Chinchero · · 1m 50s
Bortoleto's F1 journey and Audi's future
Gabriel Bortoleto aims for Audi to win F1 while junior rivals Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar chase podiums.
In brief
Gabriel Bortoleto aims for Audi to win F1 while junior rivals Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar chase podiums. Gabriel Bortoleto believes Audi will become a winning F1 team within years despite his junior rivals achieving podiums. Originally reported by Autosport.
Bortoleto's F1 journey
Gabriel Bortoleto, 22, reached F1 after winning F3 and F2 championships but faces challenges in competing at the front.
“I'm very happy to be in Formula 1. It's the first step towards a dream I've always had.”
Junior rivals' success
Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar achieved F1 podiums while Bortoleto helps Audi build a competitive team.
“They're the two drivers from my generation who are getting podiums.”
Patience for success
Bortoleto believes his opportunity to win may take longer than his junior rivals' success.
“I have to be patient. Everyone has their own path. Let's see where we all end up in 20 years.”
Audi's future potential
Bortoleto sees Audi as a team with long-term ambitions to become a winning F1 team.
“What motivates me and keeps me going is the project I'm part of. I'm in a team that's improving every year.”
Mentorship from Binotto
Mattia Binotto, Audi's team leader, provides Bortoleto with advice and mentorship beyond typical boss relationships.
“He's a mentor, a friend, a boss, but he's also very different from what I imagined.”
Verstappen's insights
Bortoleto learns from Max Verstappen about Red Bull's championship-winning strategies.
“I ask him questions about what he experienced at Red Bull before winning the world championship.”
No Plan B
Bortoleto refused to consider alternatives to F1 during his junior career, focusing solely on reaching the top.
“Never, I never had a Plan B.”
Monza race win
Bortoleto won a critical race at Monza in 2024 after a gravel incident during qualifying.
“I said to myself, 'I'm starting last, he's starting third. Even if I drive the race of my life, where can I finish?'”
2025 F1 seat
Bortoleto secured a 2025 F1 seat after initial doubts about the timeline.
“You'll be racing as a full-time driver in 2025.”
Family sacrifices
Bortoleto's parents made significant sacrifices to support his racing career, including working away from home.
“I know how many days my father wasn't at home, how many races he couldn't come to watch when I was little because he had to work.”
Money perspective
Bortoleto prioritizes winning races and team success over financial gain.
“I don't care how much other drivers earn. What matters to me is having a winning car and a good project ahead of me.”
Mind stays on racing
Bortoleto's mind remains focused on racing even when he's not actively driving.
“My mind is always on racing. I need something that helps me switch off from what I do for the rest of the day.”
Perfection in racing
Bortoleto believes true perfection in racing is unattainable for human drivers.
“The perfect lap? No, I don't think it exists, because perfection would mean being able to say, 'There was nothing more I could have done.'”
Long-term vision
Bortoleto aims to win F1 world championships with Audi within five years.
“Hopefully winning world championships, obviously with Audi.”
What to remember
Gabriel Bortoleto believes Audi will become a winning F1 team within years despite his junior rivals achieving podiums.
