F3 champion Bortoleto: Thanks to Alonso on his way to Formula 1

For years, Brazil was a breeding ground for successful Formula 1 drivers: Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Emerson Fittipaldi, to name a few former world champions. Times are changing. The world's premier motorsport series has lacked a Brazilian driver for six seasons, but hope exists. While former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is hoping for a seat, Gabriel Bortoleto also seems to be knocking on the door in the foreseeable future. Last weekend, the 18-year-old took the Formula 3 title in his debut season.

Of course, first of all, there are the usual thanks to his team Trident, his coach, his family and management A14. It is part of racing; a driver can never win a championship on his own. Bortoleto mentions a big name behind the success: Fernando Alonso. "Fernando is a Formula 1 legend, and not only Formula 1. He has driven a lot of categories and won in all of them. He's not just my manager but also an idol to me. Since I was very young, Fernando has been in races in my dream category, Formula 1."

"For sure, he's a big part of what I've done this season. There were moments [such as when] leading the championship after Melbourne, I think I won my second feature race in a row. I remember he sent me a voice message of almost 10 minutes on WhatsApp. He told me a lot of great stuff, but he kept it in my mind that I couldn't win all the races in the year. The moment I started to struggle because, at some point I would struggle in the season or not be winning, I needed to accept that and get the points that I needed. That was my mindset the whole season because it came directly from him. When a guy like Fernando tells you something, I think you better listen."

Alonso as Bortoleto's mentor

Bortoleto told GPblog there is one specific point Alonso managed to instil in the Brazilian: "I think his dedication is very impressive. Because he is 42 and doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. He won two titles in Formula 1. A lot of people say in the paddock that he should have won many more, and people consider Alonso one of the best of all time on the grid, and I agree with that."

"And still, when he is 42 years old, he still pushes like a young guy at 18 years old. And this impresses me because a lot of people when they reach their goals, start to drop off from the sport and drop their performance. But Fernando is not like this. And this keeps me motivated and shows me that I need to push. Every day, I go for more and more," said the Brazilian.

Following in Piastri's footsteps

Bortoleto had barely got out of his car after winning his title when fellow countryman Felipe Drugovich - currently test and reserve driver for Aston Martin - was beside him to offer his heartfelt congratulations. Two Brazilians, one favouring the other's success. "Felipe is one of the main guys in my development in the last two seasons. Felipe is a Formula 2 World Champion. He proved that he can be at the top in the junior categories. Before every race, I think I call him. Or even when I don't call him, he's on track, so I go see him. Because he's not only a friend but also a teacher for me."

Bortoleto's title follows in the footsteps of Oscar Piastri, the only one who also won the F3 championship [not including the former GP3 series] immediately as a rookie. The Australian has since reached Formula 1, just as Bortoleto hopes to do. The Brazilian is still a newbie who will need to make the next step in his development - probably in Formula 2 - next season.

"My strengths? I think starting very quickly in the season. Winning the two first races was very special, which was a strong point for me. I have many weak points in my mind because I know where I can improve and every single thing I have done wrong this season. I prefer not to say this here because it's not my job. It's the job of the other drivers on the grid to discover my weakness and to play on it. But if you dive deep in the season, you realise what I have done wrong or not," Bortoleto laughed.