The Monaco Grand Prix will present a challenge for the six rookies who are making their debuts at the track.
Not only is it one of F1’s most challenging circuits, but Monaco is also one of those tracks where qualifying is everything.
In a bid to improve the racing this year, F1 has mandated a Monaco-specific rule that forces every team to pit at least twice. This puts less emphasis on qualifying, but the teams will likely still be focusing on it, given Monaco is all about track position.
It also presents an opportunity for one of the rookies to shine, and Felipe Massa has offered some words of encouragement for Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto ahead of his F1 debut at the track when speaking on UOL Esporte podcast.
Felipe Massa tells Gabriel Bortoleto what he needs to do to be successful at Monaco
Bortoleto was second in the Monaco F2 Sprint race last year, so has some experience racing in the principality.
The Brazilian has impressed by out-qualifying Nico Hulkenberg at some races this year, with their current head-to-head standing at 5-2 to the German.
Massa, who competed in 15 Monaco Grands Prix and finished on the podium twice in 2007 and 2008, has offered some advice for Bortoleto on what he needs to tell his Sauber team.
“Monaco is a track where you have to have great technique, a lot of concentration. On the physical side it’s not a problem, but the mental side is very important in Monaco. So Gabriel, make a very aggressive car there with a good front end, I’m sure that can give you the advantage,” said Massa.
- READ MORE: Who is 2025 Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto? Everything you need to know
Felipe Massa’s advice on how to cope with F1 pressure
Massa also offered Bortoleto some advice on how to cope with the increasing pressure he will face in F1, particularly from the Brazilian public who are hopeful he can bring success back to the nation.
“Pressure is part of being an athlete, and sometimes the biggest pressure is from the driver himself. So this is some advice I give to Gabriel: Try to use this pressure, try to use this crowd in your favour and not worry about problems,” explained Massa.
“Sometimes it ends up with articles coming out that maybe drivers don’t like. I think that’s not part of it. You can’t care about it, care about what interests you, what you have to evolve towards. We have to evolve every day.”
Bortoleto is currently one of five drivers yet to score points in 2025, but that could change if he has a decent qualifying result at Monaco.
