In the wake of an electrifying Hungarian Grand Prix, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has thrown his weight behind his protégé, Gabriel Bortoleto, claiming the young Brazilian’s stellar performance in Budapest has been unjustly overlooked.
The Sauber rookie delivered a career-defining sixth-place finish at the Hungaroring, and it’s a result his mentor insists would have dominated headlines if he was British.
Bortoleto, whose interest are handled by Alonso’s management company, showcased his burgeoning talent with a remarkable weekend in Hungary.
Qualifying seventh – his best starting position to date – he gained a spot during the race to finish sixth, hot on the heels of his mentor, Alonso.
The Brazilian’s defensive masterclass against three-time world champion Max Verstappen underscored his potential, earning high praise from Alonso, who didn’t hold back his praise when assessing the rookie’s ability.
“He commits few errors, always putting pressure,” the two-time world champion told reporters.
“He’s the best rookie of this generation. If he was English, or something, and finished sixth in a Sauber, he’d be in all the news. What he does is exceptional.”
Bortoleto’s sixth-place finish marks a significant milestone in his debut season. The reigning Formula 2 champion has been on an upward trajectory, securing points in three of the last four races.
His recent performances have not only bolstered Sauber’s bid to overtake Williams for fifth in the constructors’ championship but also seen him regularly outpace his experienced teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.
From Rookie to Riser
Reflecting on his rapid progress, Bortoleto attributed his improvement to a natural learning curve and a relentless work ethic.
“It’s my rookie season. It’s normal that you progress. At least for me, I’ve always been like this,” he said after his Hungarian achievement, quoted by RacingNews365.
“If you check my junior [record], I’ve been a guy who has always had these types of steps in my career. But it’s also because I like to work, I like to study, I like to understand what I’ve been doing wrong and how to do a better job.”
Bortoleto’s journey to this point has been one of steady growth. After taking nearly half the season to score his first F1 point, the Brazilian has now found his rhythm, transforming from a cautious newcomer to a confident contender.
His ability to hold off Verstappen, one of the sport’s fiercest competitors, in Hungary was a testament to his composure and skill behind the wheel of the Sauber.
With Alonso in his corner and results like Hungary on his résumé, the silence around Gabriel Bortoleto may not last much longer.
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