Verstappen Praised Bortoleto's F1 Potential Early On

Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen revealed he was a quiet advocate for Gabriel Bortoleto, urging Red Bull to 'keep an eye' on the Brazilian long before his impressive rise to the 2025 F1 grid with Sauber. Bortoleto, who clinched back-to-back F3 and F2 titles in 2023 and 2024, has caught the attention of the reigning champion, signaling a significant endorsement for the young talent's future in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's early recognition of Bortoleto highlights the immense potential seen in the young Brazilian driver. Such high praise from a dominant force in F1 not only validates Bortoleto's talent but also underscores his rapid ascent through the junior ranks. This endorsement could significantly influence future team considerations and accelerate Bortoleto's trajectory toward a top-tier F1 seat.

The Details:

• Early Endorsement: Verstappen disclosed on the Pelas Pistas podcast that he advised the Red Bull team to 'keep an eye on Gabi' even before Bortoleto reached Formula 1.
• Rapid Rise: Bortoleto joined Sauber earlier this year after securing consecutive titles in the FIA F3 and F2 championships in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
• Verstappen's Future: The Red Bull star admitted he hasn't decided how long he will continue in F1 after his contract expires in 2028, but expressed a desire to see Bortoleto become competitive within the next three to four years.
• Potential Teammates: Verstappen even hinted at the possibility of sharing a team with Bortoleto in the future, stating, "if that's in the same team, even better, because that means that we are both fighting for the best positions."
• Current Performance: Bortoleto currently holds 19th place in the F1 Drivers' standings with 19 points, his best result being a sixth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
• Ecclestone's Support: Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone also championed Bortoleto, reportedly assisting his entry into F1 and urging Ferrari to sign the 21-year-old, calling him "worth his weight in gold!"

What's next:

With such strong backing from key figures like Verstappen and Ecclestone, Bortoleto's career trajectory is poised for significant development. His ongoing performances with Sauber will be crucial in solidifying his reputation and attracting further interest from top teams. The whispers of a potential future pairing with Verstappen, even as a distant possibility, add an exciting layer to Bortoleto's promising storyline, suggesting he could become one of F1's next big stars.