Hulkenberg Admits Learning from Rookie Teammate Bortoleto 'At Many Points'

Nico Hulkenberg has conceded that he has learned from his rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto at "many points" during the 2025 Formula 1 season, highlighting the mutual exchange of knowledge within the Stake F1 Team. The vastly experienced German, in his 12th full season, praised the 20-year-old Brazilian's "impressive" driving inputs and techniques, revealing a closer on-track battle than the points table suggests.

Why it matters:

This dynamic challenges the traditional mentor-rookie relationship in F1, demonstrating that even seasoned veterans can gain fresh perspectives from new talent. It underscores a collaborative team culture at Stake, which is crucial as the squad prepares for its transition to the works Audi team in 2026, where internal synergy will be key to building a competitive package.

The details:

• Hulkenberg, who scored 51 points to Bortoleto's 19, acknowledged the rookie's immediate performance level, stating, "Being a rookie doesn't mean you can’t perform or you don't know how to drive."
• The qualifying battle was exceptionally tight, with the pair finishing the season tied 12-12 in Grand Prix qualifying sessions.
• Bortoleto held a significant 11-6 lead in the qualifying head-to-head until a late-season shift, where Hulkenberg improved his one-lap pace and the rookie's form dipped.
• Hulkenberg specifically pointed to Bortoleto's strength in "driving inputs" and "driving techniques" as areas where he has gleaned insights.
• The pair actively collaborate, with Hulkenberg noting, "We bounce off each other, looking at each other's data," indicating a transparent and productive working relationship.

The big picture:

While Hulkenberg's podium in Britain created a points gap, the underlying performance metrics tell a story of a closely matched pairing. This mutual learning environment is a positive sign for the team's future. As Stake morphs into Audi, fostering a culture where data and feedback flow freely between drivers, regardless of experience, could accelerate development and be a foundational advantage in the new regulatory era.