Bortoleto Reveals the Senna Qualities Driving His F1 Ambition

Rising Brazilian star Gabriel Bortoleto, despite never seeing Ayrton Senna race in person, credits the three-time world champion as a profound influence on his burgeoning F1 career. He has distilled Senna's legacy into four core principles—discipline, dedication, intelligence, and character—that he actively applies to his own journey. This admiration goes beyond on-track prowess, shaping how Bortoleto views his role as a driver and a person in the modern era.

Why it matters:

Senna's impact transcends his three world titles; he remains a cultural and sporting benchmark in Brazil and a global icon of motorsport excellence. For a young driver like Bortoleto, carrying this legacy is about more than just national pride—it's about embodying a standard of holistic professionalism. His focus on Senna's character, not just speed, highlights a mature approach to the immense pressures of modern F1, where driver image and media interaction are as critical as lap times.

The details:

• The Four Pillars: Bortoleto identifies the key traits he learned from studying Senna: discipline, dedication, intelligence, and being a great person outside of the car. He believes this combination is what made Senna a complete and legendary driver.
• Beyond the Helmet: The 21-year-old emphasizes that his admiration isn't limited to on-track performance. He is particularly inspired by Senna's character and how he treated people away from the circuit, noting that these off-track qualities were integral to his legacy.
• Communicating with Purpose: Bortoleto has adopted Senna's approach to media interactions. He notes that Senna made a concerted effort to explain his feelings and technical insights with journalists, helping the public understand the complexities of driving an F1 car. Bortoleto sees this as a valuable and respectful practice that builds a stronger connection between the sport and its fans.

Looking Ahead:

While Bortoleto is guided by modern greats like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, Senna's timeless legacy provides a unique foundation for his career. By focusing on holistic excellence—both as a driver and an individual—he aims to build a career that is not only successful but also deeply respected. If he can translate these principles into performance on track, the spirit of Senna may well find its way back to the front of the F1 grid through his protégé.