Bortoleto Asks Friends to 'Slap' Him If F1 Fame Changes Him
2024 F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto is entering F1 with a clear mindset: stay grounded. He's even joked with friends to 'slap' him if fame changes his personality as he joins Sauber ahead of its 2026 Audi transition.
Rising star Gabriel Bortoleto is determined to keep his feet on the ground as he begins his rookie Formula 1 season with Sauber. Fresh off his 2024 Formula 2 championship, the Brazilian driver is adamant that the fame and pressure of F1 won't alter his personality, jokingly instructing his friends to 'slap' him if he ever changes. His grounded mindset comes as he prepares to be a key part of the team's highly anticipated transformation into the Audi works team.
Why it matters:
In the high-pressure, ego-driven world of F1, a driver's mindset and character are as crucial as their on-track talent, especially for a young driver entering a team on the cusp of a major evolution. Bortoleto's mature approach suggests he could be a significant asset for Sauber as it transitions into Audi in 2026. His focus on personal stability indicates he's prepared for the long haul, aiming to be a foundational pillar for the team's future rather than a fleeting talent.
The details:
- Bortoleto emphasized his commitment to staying true to himself, stating, "I didn't change at all... I enjoy making people smile and people happy around me. It's just who I am."
- He humorously reinforced this with his friends, saying, "I always joke with my friends... I said, if one day I change, you slap me in the face. So far, I have not had any slaps!"
- The 21-year-old is a central part of Sauber's long-term plan, with both him and experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg retained for the team's rebrand into Audi in 2026.
- He expressed genuine excitement for the upcoming project under new team principal Jonathan Wheatley, adding, "To be fully focused on the project for next year... to be able to lead that and focus for next year will be incredible."
What's next:
Bortoleto's immediate focus is on the 2025 season, where he aims to learn and perform alongside the highly experienced Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber. His performance and development this year will be critical as he prepares to become a key driver for the factory Audi team in 2026. The 2026 F1 season, marking Audi's official entry, is set to kick off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.