Bortoleto bites back: Sauber rookie defies Marko’s ‘B driver’ tag

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Sauber’s Formula 1 debutant Gabriel Bortoleto has delivered a bold riposte to Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who branded the Brazilian a “B driver” ahead of his first Grand Prix in Australia.

The 20-year-old, stepping into F1 with an impressive resume as a back-to-back rookie champion in Formula 3 and Formula 2, faced the media in Melbourne on Thursday and made it clear he’s unfazed by Marko’s critique.

Instead, he’s ready to let his on-track performance do the talking as he embarks on his rookie season.

Marko’s comments, aired on Servus TV, acknowledged Bortoleto’s intelligence but questioned his raw speed – a stinging assessment for a driver who has dominated junior categories.

With this weekend’s opening round of racing at Albert Park marking his F1 baptism, Bortoleto didn’t shy away from addressing the criticism head-on, turning it into fuel for his debut campaign.

Defiant and Determined

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Bortoleto brushed off Marko’s remarks with confidence and a touch of defiance.

“I don’t care,” he began. “I’ve seen that and I love challenges. Hearing that from Helmut, he’s a guy who has put a lot of talent in Formula 1 and has put a lot of wrong talents in F1.

“So you can see he got it right and wrong and hopefully I will prove him wrong with the time.”

He emphasized that words alone likely won’t sway Marko’s opinion – only results will.

“But nothing I say now in the media will change his mind, just my results on track. I’m sure I’ll prove him wrong at some point and hopefully he will admit this when I prove him wrong.

“For now I’m just focussing on doing my job and improving and doing the best I can.”

Bortoleto capped his response by pointing to his victories over Red Bull’s own junior drivers in F3 and F2, a subtle jab at Marko’s talent-spotting record.

“I’m proud of what I did in the junior series and I won in F2 and F3 against the Red Bull drivers he has, so good for me.”

Praise and Support from a Legend

While Marko may doubt him, Bortoleto has earned high praise from those closer to his journey, including two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard, who oversees Bortoleto’s interets through his A14 Management group, has long championed the Brazilian’s potential.

Alonso highlighted Bortoleto’s standout qualities, singling him out among F1’s crop of five rookies this season.

“His dedication and his professionalism towards racing have been probably the most impressive thing,” Alonso said.

“Since day one he was very committed to work hard for his dreams and already in Formula Regional Europe but then in Formula 3 and then Formula 2, each race was very well prepared and a very mature approach.

“He deserves to be in Formula 1 and hopefully a long career here and successful.”

Alonso went on to label Bortoleto the cream of the rookie crop.

“He has been the best rookie of this next generation,” said the Aston Martin driver. “We see so many rookies into F1 this year and he has been the best of them.

“Maybe he hasn’t had the car at the moment to match their results the first year but hopefully people don’t forget what he did in the last two.”

A Rookie Ready to Prove His Worth

Bortoleto’s arrival at Sauber marks the next chapter in a career defined by rapid success, but it’s also a test of his resilience.

Marko’s skepticism contrasts sharply with the glowing endorsements from Alonso, setting up a narrative of redemption that Bortoleto is eager to write.

As one of five rookies on the 2025 grid, he faces a steep learning curve, particularly with Sauber not yet expected to challenge the front-runners.

Read also:

Hulkenberg: Rookie Boroleto is ‘fast as hell’ and ‘ready to learn’

Yet, the Brazilian’s response to Marko suggests a driver undeterred by doubters, armed with the confidence of his junior triumphs and the backing of motorsport heavyweights.

The Australian Grand Prix this weekend offers his first chance to silence the critics—and perhaps force a rethink from Red Bull’s outspoken advisor.

For now, Bortoleto’s focus is clear: results, not rhetoric, will define his F1 story.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.