Gabriel Bortoleto Reflects on Q1 Elimination at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

In the wake of his elimination during Q1 of the qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, Gabriel Bortoleto shared insights into the factors that contributed to his disappointing performance. The Brazilian driver, who competes for Sauber, acknowledged that his struggle to maximize the car’s potential during the final laps played a crucial role in his inability to advance to Q2.

The Critical Final Laps

Bortoleto emphasized that up until the closing moments of the session, he believed he still had a genuine chance of moving on to the next qualifying round. However, he felt he could not fully capitalize on the grip available on the track when conditions improved. “The issue was the last two laps,” he remarked in a conversation with Band reporter Mariana Becker. “From what I gathered, we were still in contention for a spot in Q2 until that point. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t harness the grip on the track during those final two attempts. I think I missed the opportunity to extract everything I could from the car,” he expressed regretfully.

Challenges with Traffic and Visibility

In addition to his struggles with tire grip, Bortoleto encountered significant challenges related to traffic and visibility, which were severely hampered by the wet conditions on the street circuit. He recounted a particularly tense moment when Charles Leclerc nearly lost control in the last corner, forcing him to slow down. “I was really close to him during those two laps. There was spray everywhere, and visibility was poor… I was in a good position before that incident,” he explained.

A Missed Last Attempt

Bortoleto also mentioned that he did not have the opportunity to complete his final flying lap. He was met with the checkered flag just seconds before he could begin his last effort. “It’s a shame about that as well. I could have pushed a little harder during those last two laps because the track kept improving,” he lamented.

The Brazilian ultimately secured the 18th fastest time, placing him in the penultimate row of the starting grid. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking the first of the three races that conclude the 2025 season, is set to commence at 1:00 AM on Sunday.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenging qualifying session, Bortoleto remains focused on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. The lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly play a role as he continues to develop as a driver in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.

The Importance of Qualifying

Qualifying sessions are critical in Formula 1, often determining the outcome of the race itself. The starting position can significantly influence a driver’s chances for success on race day. For Bortoleto, advancing to Q2 would have provided him with a better opportunity to compete for points and improve his standing in the championship.

Driving Conditions and Their Impact

The Las Vegas circuit, known for its unique challenges, presents a variety of factors that can affect performance. Weather conditions, particularly rain, can drastically alter track conditions and grip levels. Bortoleto’s experience highlights how important it is for drivers to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and make split-second decisions that can impact their performance.

The Role of Team Strategy

Team strategy also plays a crucial role in qualifying sessions. Sauber, like other teams, must balance the need for speed with the challenges of traffic and track conditions. Effective communication between drivers and their teams is essential to navigate these complexities. Bortoleto’s insights into his performance indicate that a collaborative approach with his team could help him refine his strategies for future qualifying sessions.

Experience in Formula 1

As a rookie in Formula 1, Gabriel Bortoleto is gaining valuable experience with each race weekend. The challenges he faced during the Las Vegas qualifying session will contribute to his growth as a driver. Learning to handle difficult conditions and understanding how to optimize car performance under various circumstances are vital skills that will serve him well throughout his career.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Bortoleto is likely to reflect on this experience as he prepares for future races. Each event provides opportunities to learn and improve, and the Brazilian driver is committed to making the most of those chances. With the right mindset and continued dedication, he can work toward achieving better results in upcoming races.

Conclusion

Gabriel Bortoleto’s elimination in Q1 of the Las Vegas Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing. Factors such as track conditions, traffic, and the pressure of qualifying can create challenging situations for even the most talented drivers. As he navigates the ups and downs of his rookie season, Bortoleto’s resilience and determination will be key in shaping his future in the sport.

With the Las Vegas Grand Prix set to begin, fans and followers will undoubtedly be watching closely as Bortoleto and the Sauber team work to overcome the challenges ahead. Each race is a new opportunity for growth, and the Brazilian driver remains focused on making strides in his Formula 1 career.