# 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. - Title: Bortoleto's F1 journey and Audi's future · Autosport - Summary: 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… - Keywords: gabriel bortoleto, audi, kimi antonelli, isack hadjar, mattia binotto, max verstappen, formula 1, drivers standings, constructors championship, Bortoleto's, journey, Audi's - Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/what-drives-bortoleto-as-his-junior-rivals-hit-new-heights-in-f1/10865865 - Author: Roberto Chinchero - Published: 2026-10-17T13:15:36+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: gabriel bortoleto, audi, f1, kimi antonelli, isack hadjar, mattia binotto, max verstappen, f3, f2, formula 1, drivers standings, constructors championship ## 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. ## Key takeaway Gabriel Bortoleto believes Audi will become a winning F1 team within years despite his junior rivals achieving podiums.