Gabriel Bortoleto Reflects on the 2025 Formula 1 Season

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the 2025 season has been a poignant journey for Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto. After facing an uphill battle at the start of the season, Bortoleto expressed his satisfaction with how the Sauber team has evolved and demonstrated its capabilities on the racetrack. The beginning of the season presented significant challenges for the team, but recent developments indicate a promising turnaround.

A Challenging Start for Sauber

The season kicked off with a series of obstacles for Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026. Despite Nico Hülkenberg managing to score points in the opening race, the team struggled to find its footing. The subsequent points only came after eight races, with Hülkenberg again being the key contributor during the Spanish Grand Prix. This rocky start put the team under pressure, as they aimed to establish themselves among the competition.

Finding the Right Direction

Following the race in Barcelona, a turning point emerged for Sauber. Bortoleto noted that the team began to explore new avenues in terms of car setup and strategy. This shift in approach proved beneficial, as they made substantial progress in subsequent races. Hülkenberg’s podium finish at Silverstone was a significant highlight, while Bortoleto himself achieved four top-10 finishes, scoring points in four of the last six races. With a best result of sixth place, Bortoleto’s performance has been commendable, especially considering the team’s early struggles.

Insights from Beyond the Grid

In a recent interview on the podcast "Beyond the Grid," host Tom Clarkson delved into Bortoleto’s thoughts on the season thus far. The Brazilian driver candidly reflected on the initial hurdles while expressing contentment with the team’s recovery. He described the season as a challenging yet ultimately rewarding experience, emphasizing how the team’s hard work has started to pay off.

“From my perspective, I view the season quite positively,” Bortoleto remarked. He acknowledged the initial difficulties the team faced with the car, mentioning how both he and Hülkenberg struggled to find the right balance and performance. “We had a tough time getting past Q1. Nico, being so seasoned in F1, has great qualifying skills, but we were both facing significant challenges at the start of the year.”

Shifting Strategies

Bortoleto explained that the team decided to take a different approach, which allowed them to find a better setup for their car. “After Barcelona, and moving into Austria and Silverstone, we began to contest for points more regularly, showcasing what we are capable of,” he shared. This strategic pivot has been crucial in transforming the team’s performance and boosting morale.

The Joy of Racing

Bortoleto’s enthusiasm for racing is palpable, especially when discussing the newfound potential of the Sauber car. “I’m really happy,” he expressed. “It’s tough when you don’t have the car to demonstrate what you can do; people don’t always see our true capabilities. Now that we have a competitive car in the midfield, it allows us to extract that extra performance.”

The team’s progress is evident in their qualifying sessions, where they have been able to reach Q3 and deliver impressive performances. “We’re pulling off some crazy qualifying sessions, and it’s always surprising. That’s what racing is all about,” Bortoleto concluded, highlighting the thrill that comes with overcoming adversity.

The Road Ahead

As the season continues, both Bortoleto and the Sauber team are focused on building on their recent successes. The transition to Audi in 2026 brings with it a sense of anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. With a solid foundation established in the current season, the team is poised to take on the challenges and opportunities that the future may hold.

The journey of Gabriel Bortoleto in the 2025 Formula 1 season serves as a testament to resilience and growth in the face of adversity. With a renewed sense of purpose and a competitive car at their disposal, the Sauber team is ready to make its mark in the world of motorsport. As they continue to refine their strategies and push the limits of performance, fans and followers eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling season.