Pre-season testing in Bahrain is into its final day as the drivers and teams get their last outing before the season opener in Melbourne.
The opening two days of testing at the Sakhir International Circuit have run rather smoothly. The teams had seen incredible reliability with very few issues.
The circuit suffered a power cut on day one which delayed the afternoon session by an hour while day two was interrupted by the rain. Otherwise, the drivers encountered little to no problems on track.
Lando Norris set the pace on day one while Carlos Sainz dethroned Lewis Hamilton to set the fastest time on day two for Williams. Hamilton beat Ferrari’s best lap time from 2024 testing, proving the Maranello outfit has taken a huge step forward.
McLaren are also confident with the MCL39 after Norris’ impressive race simulation on day two. The Brit’s data will be a worry for his rivals as he was 12 seconds up on Charles Leclerc.
However, on day three, things are not as confident at Sauber after new signing Gabriel Bortoleto encountered an ‘extensive issue.’
Gabriel Bortoleto appears frustrated with his Sauber after suffering an issue in Bahrain
Bortoleto is one of four rookies on the F1 gri in 2025. The F2 champion has been getting accustomed to the C45 ahead of his debut season.
Having completed decent outings on the first two days, Laura Winter noticed Bortoleto had an issue in the pit lane as he came into his garage during the morning session on day three.
READ MORE: Who is 2025 Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto? Everything you need to know
Speaking on Sky Sports, Winter noted that the Brazilian gave a ‘puff of the cheeks’ to Mattia Binotto after stepping out of the car. Bortoleto’s frustrations will not be an encouraging sign for Sauber after their disappointing season last year.
“As you can see, car is going up onto the high stands,” said Winter outside the Sauber garage.
“But there is a lot of action happening right now. Gabriel Bortoleto is just over here as well, he was out the car.
“Bit of a puff of the cheeks as he was talking to Mattia Binotto about it. He was also in the garage a few moments ago as well.
“Just looking a little frustrated that he is out the car as things stand. And I think for Sauber there’s clearly, looking here, work’s being done at being front.
“There was work being done towards the rear as well underneath the engine cover. Work everywhere seemingly being done to the car, so an extensive issue maybe.”
Gabriel Bortoleto is being tipped as a future champion – but fans will not be cheering in 2025
Alex Jacques reckons Bortoleto can be ‘special’ in F1. The Brazilian won the F3 and F2 titles consecutively as a rookie – matching the feat of George Russell, Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
The 20-year-old has the potential to perform in F1 but he will face a difficult start to life in the pinnacle of motorsport with Sauber. The Hinwil-based outfit managed just four points in 2024.
Not much is expected to change in 2025 before the new regulations come into effect in 2026. Bortoleto’s issue in testing may be a sign of things to come for the Brazilian this season.
Lucas di Grassi sees Bortoleto as a future champion but he stressed that he will not set the world alight with Sauber this season. The 20-year-old will be hoping Audi can transform the team when they arrive in 2026.
