Gabriel Bortoleto is battling Isack Hadjar in a duel for the Formula 2 championship with just two rounds to go.
The Brazilian driver leads the championship by four and a half points ahead of the season’s return to Qatar.
Qatar is a new venue on the Formula 2 calendar, and the heat will be a challenge at the Lusail International Circuit.
There has been a lengthy gap in the calendar, as the last round in Azerbaijan was in the middle of September before F2 returns in Qatar towards the end of November.
The heat will be a big factor in Qatar, particularly as the track has many high-speed turns over the layout.
When speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Bortoleto explained the key factors that made up his training programme, which kept him sharp during his battle with Hadjar.
Gabriel Bortoleto has been driving go-karts to keep sharp
Bortoleto is battling for the Formula 2 championship and is coming towards the end of a successful junior career.
The Brazilian driver won the FIA F3 title last season and would emulate McLaren’s Oscar Piastri if he can win back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and F2.
He is linked to McLaren, which has helped him develop. Bortoleto has been driving go-karts to keep sharp over the long break in the Formula 2 calendar.
They require a unique driving style that most drivers learn their craft at the start of their career before moving to single-seaters.
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He said Bortoleto is looking forward to Qatar: “I am very excited. It’s not nice to stay so much time away from a racing car, but obviously, I’ve been working a lot in the simulator with the team.
“Working a lot with the engineers and preparing myself for Qatar. Also, driving a lot of go-karts to keep me fit and keep me ready for the heat of Qatar.”
Gabriel Bortoleto may be on the Formula 1 grid in 2025
Bortoleto has had a very successful junior career and is knocking on the door in Formula 1 for next season.
The Brazilian driver is in contention to move up to the highest level with Sauber, who are looking for a teammate for Nico Hulkenberg.
Sauber have floundered this season and are yet to score a point, but it would be a very good opportunity for Bortoleto.
There are other contenders, such as Franco Colapinto. Winning the Formula 2 title may help him move up to F1, and Max Verstappen thinks highly of Bortoleto.