Bortoleto Reveals Verstappen's Secret Mentorship Role in His F1 Journey
F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto credits Max Verstappen as a key mentor who provided crucial advice on contracts and racing during his junior career, helping him navigate his path to the grid with Sauber.
Rising F1 star Gabriel Bortoleto has revealed that four-time World Champion Max Verstappen played a crucial, behind-the-scenes mentorship role during his junior career, offering key advice on contracts and racing that helped shape his path to Formula 1 with Sauber.
Why it matters:
In the highly competitive and often isolating world of motorsport, an open line of communication with a reigning world champion is an invaluable asset. Bortoleto's account provides a rare glimpse into Verstappen's character beyond his on-track persona and highlights the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of F1 talent, potentially accelerating a young driver's adaptation to the pinnacle of motorsport.
The details:
- A Long-Standing Bond: Bortoleto confirmed a "very good friendship" with Verstappen that long predates their public interactions on streams and in simulators. The Brazilian rookie emphasized that Verstappen "extremely helped" him during his time in junior formulas.
- Contractual Guidance: The most significant support came during critical career decisions. Bortoleto specifically sought Verstappen's counsel before potentially signing with McLaren and again before committing to Sauber for his F1 debut.
- Verstappen never told him what to do, but instead shared his open and honest assessment of the situations, a gesture Bortoleto deeply appreciated.
- On-Track Development: The mentorship extended beyond business. The duo's shared passion for sim racing provided a platform for exchanging insights on driving styles and race approaches, which Bortoleto credits for helping him mature faster as a driver. "I've learned a lot more from him than the other way around," he admitted.
- Verstappen's Investment: The Dutch champion is clearly invested in Bortoleto's future. Verstappen has publicly expressed his hope that the Brazilian gets a competitive car to fight for podiums and wins in the coming years, intriguingly adding, "And if that was in the same team, even better. Then we would fight together for the best positions."
Looking ahead:
While Bortoleto's F1 seat is secured with the incoming Audi project for 2025, Verstappen's comments hint at a tantalizing long-term possibility. For now, Bortoleto is focused on establishing himself in F1, armed with the confidence and clarity gained from his unlikely but powerful alliance with the sport's current benchmark. This mentorship could prove to be a secret weapon as he navigates the immense pressures of his rookie season.