Gabriel Bortoleto is enduring a difficult start to his Formula 1 career with Sauber in 2025.
The Brazilian joined the sport after winning the F3 and F2 titles consecutively as a rookie. He will be looking to make an impression, but that will take time.
Bortoleto has signed a multi-year deal that will see him become an Audi driver in 2026 when they join the grid. In 2025, he will race for Sauber in their final year in F1 – a challenging season ahead.
The Hinwil-based team were bottom of the constructors’ championship last season after scoring just four points all year. While Suaber have already beaten their tally after four races in 2025, they are still languishing at the back.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 1 |
McLaren Racing |
151 |
| 2 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
93 |
| 3 |
Red Bull Racing |
71 |
| 4 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
57 |
| 5 |
Haas F1 Team |
20 |
| 6 |
Williams F1 Team |
19 |
| 7 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
10 |
| 8 |
Racing Bulls |
7 |
| 9 |
Alpine F1 Team |
6 |
| 10 |
Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber |
6 |
Bortoleto is last in the drivers’ standings heading into the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He is one of four drivers yet to score, with a highest finish of 14th in China.
The 20-year-old will be fully aware of what his prospects are this season, with Sauber struggling at the back. But Bortoleto will have high aspirations for the future, and Karun Chandhok thinks he is not looking to replicate one rival’s career.
Karun Chandhok thinks Gabriel Bortoleto ‘doesn’t want’ to have the same F1 career as Nico Hulkenberg
Bortoleto is partnered with Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, with the duo set to be Audi’s first driver pairing next season. The German offers a wealth of experience with 15 seasons in F1 – a great figure for learn from for the Brazilian.
However, Hulkenberg has an unwanted record in the sport for the most starts without a podium. After 231 Grand Prix starts, he has not finished in the top three.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 during FP3 in Jeddah, Chandhok thinks Bortoleto is not looking to replicate his teammate’s career.
“He’s very aware of the circumstances, isn’t he? He’s not with a top team, he’s in a situation where he’s still learning and establishing his credibility in Formula 1,” he said.
“What he doesn’t want to happen, of course, is what’s happened to his teammate. Nico Hulkenberg, Formula 3 champion, GP2 champion, A1 GP champion, Formula BMW champion and then hasn’t had a podium in 15 years of Formula 1.
“That’s what Gabriel Bortoleto doesn’t want to happen for his career.”
Gabriel Bortoleto is already showing great potential in F1
Despite being last in the standings, Bortoleto has proven himself to be a top talent for the future. He got his Sauber into Q2 on debut in Australia, while Hulkenberg was eliminated in the first session.
His maturity has already been impressive, as well as his communication with his team. Sauber are loving Bortoleto’s feedback as he looks to get stuck in to help build the team.
The Brazilian wants to replicate the success of fellow F3 and F2 champions Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and George Russell. While he currently does not have the car to do that, the talent is there.
Sauber are reminded of Leclerc by Bortoleto due to his work ethic. He is putting in the effort behind the scenes, which will go a long way for the future.
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