Alonso's Protégé Gabriel Bortoleto Reveals Key Advice from F1 Star

Gabriel Bortoleto, a protégé of Fernando Alonso, has shared insights into a crucial voice message he received from the two-time F1 champion early in his successful 2023 Formula 3 season. This advice, focusing on managing expectations and maintaining consistency, proved instrumental as Bortoleto navigated his championship-winning campaign and subsequently secured an F1 seat with Sauber.

Why it matters:

Fernando Alonso's A14 Management program is designed to mentor young talent, and Bortoleto's rapid ascent from F3 champion to F1 driver with Sauber highlights the efficacy of this guidance. Alonso's direct and timely advice underscores the mental fortitude required for success in motorsport and reveals the depth of his commitment to developing future stars. For Bortoleto, internalizing this early wisdom was key to managing the pressures of a championship bid and maintaining consistency when outright wins became scarcer.

The Details:

• Early Success: Bortoleto, having joined Alonso's A14 Management just months prior, began his 2023 F3 season with two consecutive feature race wins. This strong start immediately positioned him as a championship contender.
• Alonso's Voice Message: Following these initial victories, Alonso sent Bortoleto a lengthy voice message. The core of the advice was to manage expectations, warning against the assumption of continuous wins.
  • Alonso emphasized that performance fluctuations are "natural" and that the key is to "keep your head up and keep working and doing the best you can" during leaner periods.
  • He also highlighted the difficulty of adjusting when a driver becomes accustomed to consistent podiums and wins, and then experiences a dip in performance.
• Consistency Over Wins: Despite not winning another race after the first two rounds, Bortoleto's consistent points finishes and podiums allowed him to secure the F3 title, validating Alonso's advice on sustained performance over individual race wins.
• Pathway to F1: Bortoleto's F3 championship was followed by a strong performance in F2 the subsequent year. This rapid progression led to his promotion to Formula 1 with Sauber, signing a multi-year deal that includes the transition to the Audi works team in 2026.

The Big Picture:

Alonso's mentorship is clearly paying dividends for Bortoleto. This interaction showcases not just a management role, but a genuine investment in the psychological development of a young driver. In the high-pressure world of F1 feeder series, mental resilience is as critical as raw pace, and Alonso's guidance on managing the highs and lows of a season provided Bortoleto with a significant edge. This strategic, holistic approach to driver development from a seasoned champion like Alonso is a powerful asset for any aspiring F1 talent.

What's next:

Bortoleto will make his F1 debut with Sauber, carrying the lessons learned from his mentor. His multi-year deal suggests a long-term commitment from Sauber, indicating confidence in his potential. The focus for Bortoleto will be to apply Alonso's principles of consistency and mental strength as he navigates the even more demanding environment of Formula 1, especially as the team transitions into the Audi works team era.