Gabriel Bortoleto is being linked with the step up to Formula 1 in 2025, and he has the backing of an entire nation behind him.
The 20-year-old has been highly impressive in Formula 2 this season as he currently leads the standings with two rounds to go.
Bortoleto has a four-and-a-half-point advantage over his rival Isack Hadjar heading into the next round in Qatar, with the F2 title set to go right to the wire.
Despite a shaky start to his debut season in the category, where he suffered three consecutive retirements in Saudi Arabia and Australia, the Brazilian has found his stride with Invicta Racing and collected two wins and five podiums thus far.
His performances have grabbed the attention of the F1 paddock as Bortoleto is now fighting for a place on the 2025 grid. He is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, but the Woking-based outfit do not have a sear for him with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri tied down to long-term deals.
Felipe Massa and Emerson Fittipaldi are ‘rooting for’ Gabriel Bortoleto to reach F1
Bortoleto is being linked with the vacant Sauber seat, and he has gained the support of fellow Brazilians Felipe Massa and Emerson Fittipaldi, who hope to get another talent from the nation in F1.
The last Brazilian driver to race in F1 was Fittipaldi’s grandson, Pietro Fittipaldi, who competed in the final two races of the season in 2020 with Haas in place of Romain Grosjean.
READ MORE: Leonardo Fornaroli shares what he wants to learn from Gabriel Bortoleto before Invicta move
Massa was the last full-time Brazilian to race in F1. The former Ferrari driver won 11 races in his career before retiring in 2017.
And the 43-year-old is hoping Bortoleto will be the next driver to make it on the F1 grid, and he has been left lauding the 20-year-old’s career so far, having won the Formula 3 title in his first year in 2023 and has continued that momentum into F2.
Speaking with Motorsport.com, Massa says that Bortoleto has done something he hasn’t seen from a Brazilian ‘in a long time’: “Gabriel did an amazing job winning Formula 3 in the first year, maybe winning Formula 2 in the first year.
“This is definitely something that we haven’t seen lately with a Brazilian driver. It will be really positive to have a strong Brazilian in Formula 1 for a long time, raising our Brazilian flag. I’m supporting him a lot.”
Two-time F1 champion Fittipaldi added: “I hope he gets into F1. We’re rooting for him. He’s very talented and very capable, an excellent driver.”
Gabriel Bortoleto is being heavily linked with a move to Sauber
Bortoleto is among several drivers in the running for the second seat at Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg, with the team set to become Audi in 2026. But the Brazilian’s situation is a complex one.
McLaren seem to be unwilling to let him leave on a permanent deal, as evidenced by Andrea Stella expressing how impressed he has been with Bortoleto at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
READ MORE: 173-point Formula 2 driver now ‘eyeing’ reserve role behind F1 world champion in 2025
Therefore, if Sauber are to sign Bortoleto, it will most likely be a loan deal, with McLaren keeping an eye on their current drivers’ situation and leaving an opportunity open for the 20-year-old if a seat does become available.
Bortoleto is facing significant competition for the Sauber seat, with the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher and Franco Colapinto all being linked with the team.
If the Brazilian can keep up his impressive performances in F2 and claim the title, he will put himself in the best possible position to land the drive in 2025.