Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his weight behind rising Brazilian star Gabriel Bortoleto, hailing the Sauber rookie as one of the most exciting young drivers on the grid and urging Ferrari to swoop in before anyone else does.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a sparkling start to his F1 career, scoring his first points with an eighth-place finish in Austria earlier this summer and following it up with consistent top-10 results in Belgium and Hungary.
His pace and maturity have marked him out as a serious talent, drawing praise from many pundits in the F1 paddock, but also from none other than the man who once ruled Formula 1 with an iron grip.
In an interview with Blick’s veteran F1 reporter Roger Benoit, Ecclestone, who played a pivotal role in helping Bortoleto secure his spot on the 2025 grid, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for the young driver’s performances.
“I’m glad we were able to help the Bortoleto family with their entry into Formula 1. The boy is worth his weight in gold!” enthused the 94-year-old who still spends significant time in Brazil along with his Brazilian wife, Fabiana.
Ferrari Called to Attention
Ecclestone believes Ferrari must wake up to the opportunity of signing Bortoleto before it’s too late.
“Bortoleto’s strong performances in a midfield team like Sauber should really wake Ferrari up now,” he added. “The next driver question for the Italians needs to be resolved with the Brazilian.”
Bernie and Fabiana Ecclestone on the grid in Hungary.
It’s not the first time Ferrari has been linked with a bold move for a young driver, but Ecclestone’s comments carry weight – particularly given Bortoleto’s rapid adaptation to life in F1.
Praise for the New Guard, Criticism for the Old
Ecclestone’s glowing endorsement of Bortoleto came alongside broader reflections on Formula 1’s shifting landscape. He also singled out Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar as another standout in 2025.
“If I could steal him, I’d take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls,” he told MailOnline. “He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy.
But while Ecclestone praised the new generation, he was far less flattering about Lewis Hamilton. Suggesting the seven-time world champion may be running out of steam, Ecclestone hinted that the Mercedes star should consider walking away.
“But like a lot of leading sports personalities when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it’s not a good direction,” Ecclestone said. “It’s only down.
“They get tired. Lewis is tired. He’s been doing what he is doing forever. He needs a rest from it for good, a total reset to do something completely different.
“He may not think it, but he will soon get used to doing other stuff away from motor racing in retirement. I think he should have done it a while ago.
“The guy is not a cheat. But he would be cheating himself if he goes on. He should stop now.”
With Ferrari weighing up its options for the future and Sauber set to transition into Audi’s factory team, Bortoleto’s trajectory could quickly become one of the defining stories of Formula 1’s next chapter.
And if Ecclestone’s words are anything to go by, the smart money says the young Brazilian won’t remain a midfield contender for very long.
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