How Bortoleto's do or die approach turned bitter Saturday into points

17:50, 27 Oct

Updated: 18:45, 27 Oct

bySamson Ero

Gabriel Bortoleto expressed delight with his recovery drive at the Mexico City Grand Prix following a challenging qualifying.

“Today we managed to show very good pace and secure a solid point.”

- Gabriel Bortoleto

The Stake F1 Kick Sauber driver, speaking in the aftermath, recounted his frustration at failing to advance past the first stage of qualifying, before highlighting how pleased he was with his points finish.

“It was a solid race. I was very disappointed yesterday, obviously. I felt like we had much more on the table, and on the last set of tyres, I didn’t have grip and I was very frustrated,” he said.

“I generally think the car could have been in Q3, and it was performing well, a bit like the European season we were having. But today, we managed to show very good pace and secure a solid point.”

Gabriel Bortoleto overtakes Isack Hadjar during the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Bortoleto qualified 16th for the Mexico City race but recovered to finish 10th after a decisive overtake on Isack Hadjar for the final point during the closing stages of the race. The result also marked his maiden points finish since the Italian Grand Prix, where he finished eighth.

Bortoleto on the move past Hadjar

The Brazilian driver also reflected on his overtake on Hadjar. The 21-year-old described it as a calculated “win or bust” move.

“At some point, I tried to overtake him so many times that I said, ‘Whatever happens, happens. If we crash, we crash, but at least I need to go for it.’"

"It worked out very well. It was a tough fight with him, but he was clean, I was clean, and everything was fine – probably the nicest one of the year.”