No F1 debut for Bortoleto without Verstappen? 'He doesn't like talking about this'

12:01, 21 Jul

Updated: 18:59, 21 Jul

byHidde Korte

Max Verstappen has been an integral part of the Formula 1 grid since 2015. The Dutchman was the youngest F1 driver ever to drive in the series and he is now among the most experienced ones on the grid. Consequently, he helped Gabriel Bortoleto secure a seat in Formula 1.

The Brazilian is currently active for the Stake F1 Team as teammate to Nico Hulkenberg. Before he entered F1, he was involved in Formula 2 and Formula 3. In both classes, he managed to become champion as a rookie, something that Verstappen did not overlook. Partly thanks to the Dutchman’s advice, 'Gabi' now has a seat in Formula 1.

Speaking to motorsport.com Bortoleto explained where Verstappen had influence: "Jonathan [Wheatley] told me that Max was very positive about me, long before I came to Sauber-Audi. I know Max doesn't often talk about this, certainly not in the media, but this is something he helped me with: telling people in Formula 1 about me. Seeing as I got good results, he wanted to help me."

Max Verstappen with Gabriel Bortoleto, photo:Red Bull Contentpool

Common link for Verstappen and Bortoleto

The fact that Verstappen and Bortoleto get along well might be because they are both very passionate simracers. Bortoleto has been part of Team Redline, Verstappen's sim team, for a number of years.

"I had been talking and racing with these guys for a while, but joined the team officially in 2023, as an ambassador. I mostly race with Max, but sometimes also with the other sim drivers from the team. I don't participate in official races. But I might take part in a few endurance races at the end of the year. We'll see how things go."

Sim racing underpins Bortoleto's strong results: "I now view it as something extremely important for me as a driver. It helps me, for example, learn new circuits, but I also have an advantage on tracks that I already know, because when I arrive at the circuit, I feel like I've already driven a thousand laps there."