Bortoleto OK after massive crash in Sao Paulo Sprint event

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Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto gave his home fans a big scare on Saturday when his Sauber slammed into the barriers on the final lap of the São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint.

Fortunately, the local hero emerged unscathed from what was one of the most dramatic and massive crashes of the 2025 F1 season.

Charging after Williams’ Alex Albon in the dying moments of the 24-lap dash, Bortoleto saw an opening into the famous Senna S and lunged for a last-gasp move. But as the Sauber driver moved off the racing line on the still-damp asphalt, the grip vanished instantly.

The closure of DRS and a touch of wheelspin sent Bortoleto spinning – first clouting the inside barrier before bouncing violently across the track into the outside wall. The impact was fierce enough to snap the steering column and scatter debris across the circuit.

Albon narrowly avoided being collected by the flying Sauber but wasn’t entirely spared. Bits of carbon fibre nevertheless lodged under his floor, robbing him of downforce and forcing him to limp home in 15th.

Relief for Driver and Fans

The Interlagos grandstands, packed with fans waving Bortoleto flags, fell silent for a moment – but relief swept through the circuit seconds later as the young Brazilian climbed from his wrecked car unaided.

“Following a crash at the end of the sprint race, Gabriel is ok and being taken to the circuit’s Medical Centre as a precaution,” Sauber confirmed on social media shortly after the incident.

The team later reported that Bortoleto was uninjured and cleared by doctors, a comforting outcome after what could easily have been a much worse accident.
Bortoleto Uncertain for Qualifying

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley said Sauber’s mechanics would not waste their time assessing the wreck’s damage and instead will set their sights on immediately rebuilding a new chassis.

Whether it will be ready in time for Saturday’s qualifying session remains to be seen.

As the local fans cheered Bortoleto’s safe return to the paddock, it was clear that – at least this time – the young Brazilian’s biggest win was simply walking away.

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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.