Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Sauber boss spotlights similarities between Bortoleto and Verstappen

13:28, 19 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley talked about the similarities between rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and four-time champion Max Verstappen.

Both inherently naturally fast. Actually, both race each other on the simulator either side of a race weekend as well.

- Team principal Jonathan Wheatley

Bortoleto in action in FP1 at the Azerbaijan GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Wheatley has known Max Verstappen for a long time, while he began working with the Brazilian this season at Sauber.

When asked about what they have in common, the Briton began: "I always find it difficult to compare drivers because everyone's an individual.

"Both inherently naturally fast. Actually, both race each other on the simulator either side of a race weekend as well.

"Both just seem to have that capacity to drive the car but have a load more capacity left to think about the rest of the situation," the team boss continued.

Wheatley previously worked with the Dutchman as well, as he was Red Bull Racing's sporting director before joining the Hinwil-based team.

"Look back to Max, he'd already served a pretty good apprenticeship at Toro Rosso at the time before he came to Red Bull.

"Obviously, I've known his father, I've known the family for years, known Max since he was a tiny little boy and I've just got to meet Gabriel.

"But it's the same thing, these guys are ultra competitive and they're looking for every single advantage in everything.

"They both share a great work ethic and a love for racing. Both of them given an opportunity of driving something else, they’re on the simulator," he concluded.

Bortoleto impresses in rookie year

Bortoleto frequently talks about his good relationship with the Dutchman, and he often asks him for advice. The two drivers also compete on the sim and on other games together during Team Redline streams.

Another former world champion, Fernando Alonso is also impressed with the rookie, calling him the best of his generation. The Brazilian also talked about what he could learn from the Spaniard.