Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto Backs Max Verstappen for 2025 World Title

Rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto believes Max Verstappen 'deserves' the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, asserting that the Dutchman has proven himself the best driver in the world this season. While acknowledging the unpredictability of the Abu Dhabi finale, Bortoleto emphasizes Verstappen's fewer mistakes and consistent performance as key factors.

Why it matters:

• A young, emerging talent in the F1 ecosystem openly backing Verstappen underscores the reigning champion's dominant reputation among his peers.
• Bortoleto's perspective highlights the prevailing view in the paddock that the championship should reward the driver who performs at the highest level with the fewest errors.
• With the title fight heading to an unpredictable final race, such endorsements add to the narrative of Verstappen's exceptional season.

The Details:

• Speaking to GPblog, Bortoleto stated, "I think he proved that he was the best driver in the world this year, so I think he deserves the title."
• He described the championship as "super close" despite a 12-point gap, noting the strong performance of Red Bull and McLaren.
• Bortoleto acknowledged the difficulty of predicting the outcome in Abu Dhabi, citing recent unexpected events in races.
• He believes that in a championship battle, the "best driver in the world" should win, and for 2025, that driver is Verstappen due to making "less mistakes than anyone else."
• The Sauber rookie hopes to avoid getting involved in the title contenders' battle during the Grand Prix, stating, "Hopefully I'm not involved I can do my own race."
• Bortoleto added that he might check the screens for updates on the title fight "if the race is boring."

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's consistent performance throughout the 2025 season has positioned him as the clear favorite, even with McLaren's resurgence. His ability to minimize errors and maximize results, even when the car might not be utterly dominant, has been a hallmark of his driving. Bortoleto's comments echo a sentiment likely shared by many in the F1 paddock: that consistent excellence, rather than singular flashes of brilliance, defines a true champion.

What's next:

The 2025 F1 World Championship will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All eyes will be on Verstappen and Lando Norris, with the points gap setting up a thrilling finale. Bortoleto, like many other drivers, will be focused on his own race but will undoubtedly be aware of the high stakes playing out around him.