Verstappen to Bortoleto: 'Don't Dwell on Mistakes'
Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto revealed Max Verstappen told him not to worry about mistakes, as they are key to improvement in F1.
F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has shared the key advice he received from four-time world champion Max Verstappen: embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. The message came during Bortoleto's debut season with the Stake F1 Team, where he faced both promising moments and significant challenges, including a heavy crash at his home race in Brazil.
Why it matters:
Receiving this advice from a driver of Verstappen's caliber provides immense psychological support for a newcomer navigating the intense pressures of Formula 1. For a rookie like Bortoleto, who experienced a high-profile crash, learning to manage the mental fallout from errors is as crucial as mastering the car's performance. This mindset is essential for long-term development and survival in the sport's top echelon.
The details:
- The Core Message: Bortoleto said Verstappen told him, "Mistakes are the moments that you improve the most... I just need to learn from them and move on." He emphasized that hearing this from a champion like Verstappen gives the advice significant weight.
- Rookie Season Performance: The Brazilian driver scored 19 points in his debut campaign, showing competitive pace against his experienced teammate, Nico Hülkenberg.
- A Tough Lesson: A notable hardship was a heavy crash during the sprint race at his home Grand Prix in Brazil, an incident that likely prompted Verstappen's supportive words.
- Future with Audi: Bortoleto is set to continue his F1 journey as part of the Audi factory team, following its acquisition of the Sauber operation for the upcoming season.
What's next:
As Bortoleto transitions to the new Audi works team, Verstappen's advice will be more valuable than ever. The German manufacturer's entry into F1 is a high-stakes project, and the young driver will be a key part of its long-term vision. His ability to learn from setbacks and maintain a strong mental approach will be critical as he helps shape the future of the Audi F1 program.