Gabriel Bortoleto’s meteoric rise through the ranks of motorsport has positioned him as Brazil’s next great Formula 1 hope. After clinching the 2024 Formula 2 championship, the 20-year-old joins an elite group of drivers—Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri—who have achieved back-to-back rookie championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2. With a 2025 race seat secured at Stake Sauber, Bortoleto is poised to follow in their footsteps and bring pride to his home country.
Inspired by the Greats
Bortoleto draws inspiration from Leclerc, Russell, and Piastri, all of whom have turned their junior success into Formula 1 victories. Now, he’s aiming to replicate their trajectory.
“They are all F1 race winners, so for me it’s a privilege to be around these names,” Bortoleto said. “They dominated the championships as rookies, surprised F1 teams, and got their seats in F1, then grew up and started winning races. That’s obviously one of my targets: to represent my country in F1, win races, and hopefully championships.”
Securing a Place on the Grid
Bortoleto’s rapid ascent didn’t go unnoticed. Audi, gearing up for its full-time entry into F1 in 2026, locked in the young Brazilian as part of its long-term vision. However, his immediate future lies with Stake Sauber, where he will race in 2025. This appointment marks a significant moment for Brazilian motorsport, bringing a full-time Brazilian driver back to the F1 grid for the first time since Felipe Massa’s final season in 2017.
“It’s very special to be the one representing Brazil again in Formula 1,” Bortoleto said. “We come from a long way to get here. For me, to give my countrymen something to cheer for, to be part of their Sunday mornings as they watch me race around the world, is an amazing feeling.”
Carrying Brazil’s Legacy
Brazil boasts a rich history in Formula 1, with legends like Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, and Emerson Fittipaldi casting long shadows. Bortoleto understands the weight of this legacy and sees himself as a beacon of hope for a country seeking a resurgence in motorsport.
“It’s very expensive for Brazil to produce drivers who can race in Formula 3, Formula 2, and eventually Formula 1,” he explained. “We haven’t been in a great moment as a country recently, but if I can bring some joy to my people by representing them on the global stage, it’s an honor.”
Looking Ahead
With his first Formula 1 season looming, Bortoleto’s goals are clear: adapt quickly, prove his worth, and follow the path blazed by Leclerc, Russell, and Piastri. His success in junior categories and the confidence placed in him by Audi and Stake Sauber suggest he has the tools to deliver.
As Brazil tunes in on race weekends, the young driver knows he’s racing not just for himself but for a nation yearning for the glory days of its F1 heritage.