Bortoleto Ready to Live His Dream at Home Brazilian Grand Prix

Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto is set to make his home debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, a moment he describes as "unreal." The Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber driver will be the first Brazilian to compete at Interlagos since Felipe Massa in 2017, marking a significant milestone in his rookie season.

Why it matters:

Bortoleto's participation at his home race is a poignant moment for Brazilian motorsport, rekindling national pride in F1. For Sauber, it's an opportunity to capitalize on a driver in good form and continue their climb in the Constructors' Championship, especially as the team prepares for its transition to Audi in 2026.

The Details:

• Emotional Homecoming: Bortoleto, a São Paulo native, expressed his lifelong dream of racing at Interlagos as an F1 driver, calling the experience "unreal" and a payoff for years of hard work.
• Strong Form: He enters the Brazilian Grand Prix on the back of a points-scoring finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he secured P10 and added to his 2025 tally of 19 points.
• Sprint Weekend Challenge: The event is another Sprint weekend, which means less practice time, requiring the team to optimize setup and performance quickly.
• Team's Ambition: Bortoleto's goal is to maintain the team's recent good results and aim for another top-ten finish at home, contributing to Sauber's fight for P6 in the Constructors' Championship.
  • Sauber is currently in a tight battle, with just 12 points separating four teams vying for sixth place.
• Future Transition: While Bortoleto represents Sauber this year, the team will transition to Audi from 2026, marking a new era for the constructor.

What's next:

Bortoleto's debut at Interlagos is a critical moment for both the driver and the team. A strong performance could further solidify his position in F1 and significantly boost Sauber's efforts in the Constructors' Championship. The pressure will be on to deliver in front of his home crowd and continue the team's positive momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season and look towards the Audi takeover.