Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto, the rising Brazilian star, is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Kick Sauber – Ferrari in the 2025 season.
Early Life and Karting Success
Born on 14 October 2004 in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, Gabriel Lourenzo Bortoleto Oliveira was introduced to motorsport at a young age by his father, Lincoln Oliveira, who serves as the chief executive officer and co-owner of the Stock Car Pro Series in Brazil.
Bortoleto began his karting career in October 2011 at the age of seven. He quickly demonstrated his talent, winning multiple national titles in Brazil before moving to Europe at the age of 11 to pursue his racing career with support from his family. Bortoleto’s most successful karting season came in 2018, where he finished third in the European and World Championships in the OK-Junior category.
Transition to Single-Seaters
Bortoleto made his single-seater debut in 2020, competing in the Italian F4 Championship with Prema Powerteam. He secured his first victory at Mugello and finished fifth in the overall standings, showcasing his potential in his rookie season.
In 2021, Bortoleto graduated to the Formula Regional European Championship with FA Racing, run by MP Motorsport. He claimed his first podium at the Red Bull Ring and finished 15th in the championship, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a new category.
Formula Regional Success and McLaren Junior Team
Bortoleto continued in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2022, joining R-ace GP. Despite facing engine issues throughout the season, he secured victories at Spa-Francorchamps and Barcelona, ultimately finishing sixth in the standings.
Bortoleto’s performances caught the attention of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and he was recruited to their prestigious program in October 2023. This association provided him with valuable support and guidance as he progressed through the junior single-seater categories.
FIA Formula 3 Championship and Rookie Title
In 2023, Bortoleto graduated to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. He made an immediate impact, winning the feature race at the Bahrain International Circuit and claiming pole position and another victory at the Albert Park Circuit. Bortoleto’s consistent performances throughout the season earned him the FIA Formula 3 Championship title and the rookie crown.
Dominant Formula 2 Campaign
Bortoleto’s success in Formula 3 earned him a promotion to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024 with Invicta. He continued to impress, securing multiple victories and podium finishes throughout the season. In a standout performance at the Monza feature race, Bortoleto became the first driver in Formula 2 history to win from last on the grid, showcasing his exceptional racecraft and overtaking skills.
Bortoleto’s dominant campaign saw him claim the Formula 2 title, becoming the seventh driver in history to win the GP2/Formula 2 championship in their rookie season. His performances further solidified his status as a future Formula 1 star and earned him the FIA Rookie of the Year award.
Joining Kick Sauber – Ferrari in Formula 1
After his impressive junior career and successful test outings with McLaren, Gabriel Bortoleto secured a full-time race seat with Kick Sauber – Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. He will partner with experienced driver Nico Hülkenberg, forming an exciting driver lineup for the Swiss outfit as they prepare for their acquisition by Audi in 2026.
As Bortoleto prepares for his rookie Formula 1 season, expectations are high. His natural talent, work ethic, and the support of the McLaren Driver Development Programme make him a driver to watch in the coming years. With his determination and skill, Gabriel Bortoleto is poised to make a significant impact in the world of Formula 1 and carry on Brazil’s rich motorsport heritage.