Gabriel Bortoleto says the examples set by Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri made him believe he could win races and fight for the Formula 1 title.
By winning the 2024 Formula 2 championship, the Brazilian joins Leclerc, Russell and Piastri as the only drivers to win back-to-back Formula 3/GP3 and F2 titles as a rookie. Piastri had to wait a season in a reserve role, but all four received F1 race seats and the trio before Bortoleto (who will race in the Stake Sauber in 2025) have all won multiple races since promotion.
“They are all F1 race winners,” said Bortoleto. So it’s a privilege for me to be able to have these names around.” “They are drivers that I have always been inspired by when I see them racing in the junior series and winning everything, dominating championships as rookies, surprising F1 teams, establishing themselves in F1 and then growing up and winning in F1. .
“It’s definitely one of my goals to represent my country in F1 and win races and one day win a championship. So it’s amazing that there are people with these names and to be one of the few people who have achieved this.”
Bortoletto’s signature has been secured by Audi ahead of full-time participation in 2026, putting the Brazilian driver on the grid permanently for the first time since 2017. The 20-year-old said he felt special to achieve his goal. Our compatriots are proud.
“I am very proud to be Brazilian. Because nothing is easy for us. We come from far and have been through a lot to be successful, especially in this sport.
“It is very expensive for Brazil to have drivers who can race in Formula 3 and Formula 2 and one day advance to Formula 1. We haven’t had many great moments over the past few years. In Brazil; We’re trying to get better and better, but it’s never easy.
“It’s really amazing to be able to give them a little bit of happiness in this moment. Because if they can wake up on a Sunday morning and watch TV and see a Brazilian driver representing them in Abu Dhabi, then I can be there for them. , Qatar and all of Europe as well. It’s an amazing feeling for me and them.”
