Gabriel Bortoleto’s Meteoric Rise: From Rookie Sensation to Formula 1 Contender

Gabriel Bortoleto, a name that’s been making waves in motorsport, is gearing up for his Formula 1 debut with Kick Sauber in 2025. At just 20 years old, the Brazilian prodigy has achieved a remarkable journey from Italian Formula 4 to securing full-time entry into F1—a testament to his talent, perseverance, and exceptional performance in the lower tiers of racing.

Rapid Climb Through the Ranks

Bortoleto’s rise to prominence began in 2023, when he dominated Formula 3 as a rookie, clinching the championship in his debut year. He followed this with another standout rookie season in Formula 2, becoming only the fourth driver in history—joining the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri—to win back-to-back titles in F3 and F2.

Reflecting on this achievement, Bortoleto remarked: “It’s an honor to be among these names… These drivers are an inspiration, and being part of this club motivates me to excel in Formula 1.”

Consistency as a Key to Success

What sets Bortoleto apart is his remarkable consistency. In Formula 3, he missed scoring points in only three out of 14 races. In Formula 2, despite a challenging start that included three early retirements, he finished outside the top 10 only once throughout the season.

This level of reliability is no accident. According to Bortoleto, it’s the result of countless hours of preparation with teams like Trident in F3 and Invicta Racing in F2. “The hard work, simulator sessions, and the dedication from the team and myself have been crucial. Consistency has been our biggest asset.”

Defining Moments: Turning the Tide

One pivotal moment in Bortoleto’s career came during the Monza Feature Race in F2. After a costly spin in qualifying left him starting from the back of the grid, he delivered a sensational drive to finish first—becoming the first driver to achieve such a feat in that season.

Standing atop the podium, Bortoleto said: “That was the turning point. From being 38 points behind in the championship, I felt the momentum shift, and everything started falling into place.”

The Kick Sauber Opportunity

As Bortoleto’s F2 season progressed, talks with Kick Sauber and Mattia Binotto intensified. By the time he secured the championship, his F1 future was sealed. The timing couldn’t have been better, as his stellar performances on the track mirrored his growing confidence off it.

Binotto, impressed by the young driver’s progression, noted Bortoleto’s readiness to take on the challenge of F1: “With his results and development, it was clear that Gabriel was the right choice for our future.”

Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Prize

As Bortoleto prepares to make his F1 debut, he remains focused on the ultimate goal: winning races.

“I want to be winning races in the future. The journey to F1 has been amazing, but the work has just begun.”

With the support of a rejuvenated Kick Sauber team and a growing fanbase, Gabriel Bortoleto is poised to make an indelible mark on Formula 1. Every race I was progressing as a driver, and we were doing the job better.