Verstappen Tipped Bortoleto to Red Bull Before F1 Debut

Max Verstappen revealed he advised Red Bull to 'keep an eye' on Gabriel Bortoleto even before the Brazilian driver made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber this year. Despite being a McLaren-contracted driver, Bortoleto's path to the top tier was clear, leading him to Sauber after winning last year's F2 title.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, a dominant figure in F1, publicly endorsing a young talent like Bortoleto holds significant weight. It not only highlights Bortoleto's potential but also offers a glimpse into how top drivers view emerging talent, potentially influencing future team compositions and the career trajectories of young hopefuls. This kind of endorsement from a four-time world champion can accelerate a rookie's standing in the paddock.

The Details:

• Early Endorsement: Verstappen stated on the Pelas Pistas podcast that he told Red Bull to 'keep an eye on Gabi' before Bortoleto even reached Formula 1. This suggests an early recognition of Bortoleto's talent from one of the sport's most successful drivers.
• Blocked Path: Bortoleto, despite his talent, found his path to McLaren's F1 team blocked by established drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, prompting his move to Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026.
• Future Teammates?: When asked about the possibility of pairing with Bortoleto at Red Bull, Verstappen responded with uncertainty about his own long-term future, stating, "First of all, I don't even know how long I'm going to do myself." He hopes Bortoleto gets a competitive opportunity within the next three to four years.
• Brazilian Connection: Verstappen's connection with Bortoleto, alongside his relationship with Kelly Piquet, has significantly boosted his popularity in Brazil. This marks a shift from his earlier reception, especially during his title battles with Lewis Hamilton.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's personal endorsement of Bortoleto underscores the importance of mentorship and peer recognition in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. It also highlights the intricate web of driver contracts and team affiliations that can influence a driver's career path, even for a talent as promising as an F2 champion. The evolving dynamics of driver relationships and national support, exemplified by Verstappen's growing popularity in Brazil, add another layer to the sport's narrative.

What's next:

Bortoleto's debut with Sauber (soon to be Audi) will be closely watched. If he performs well, the conversation about his future, potentially including a move to a top team like Red Bull, will intensify, especially as Verstappen's own long-term plans beyond 2028 remain undefined. A strong performance could validate Verstappen's early assessment and solidify Bortoleto's place as a future star in Formula 1.