Rising star Bortoleto picks his 'best driver ever' in Formula 1

08:33, 21 Jul

Updated: 10:30, 21 Jul

byHidde Korte

Gabriel Bortoleto once again praised Max Verstappen, with the Brazilian driver having delivered a more than respectable debut season in Formula 1 so far.

Although Nico Hulkenberg has recently stolen the spotlight at Sauber with his brilliant podium at Silverstone, Gabriel Bortoleto has also put together a more than respectable rookie season so far — highlighted by a superb eighth-place finish in Austria.

The Brazilian driver also enjoys the admiration of none other than Max Verstappen, with whom he shares a strong friendship both on and off the track.

Max Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto

Good friendship between Verstappen and Bortoleto

In an interview with motorsport.com, he said he looks up to the Dutchman: "For me, he, along with Ayrton Senna, is the best driver ever.''

''The way he approaches racing, his understanding of the sport, his knowledge of the car, and the calmness with which he tackles everything, I admire hugely. He is really an example to me of how I want to be as a driver."

Verstappen and Bortoleto have known each other for a long time and first met in 2017.

Verstappen had been active for a few years, while Bortoleto was making a name for himself in karting:"Max had just finished his second year in Formula 1 and the guys in the CRG team were always raving about him. I had heard a lot about him and wanted to meet him.''

''When he came by once, I asked him for a photo. He responded really cool and was super nice. It's funny to see that picture of us now."

This season, the friendship between Verstappen and Bortoleto is apparent in Formula 1. Verstappen has already guided the rookie to success on several occasions.

For instance, Verstappen gave advice before the Australian GP and the Dutchman gave a slipstream during the Austrian GP qualification.

Verstappen is not the only one who is close to Bortoleto. Fernando Alonso manages ‘Gabi’ and was recently full of praise for the Brazilian.