Bortoleto's 'Solid Point' in Mexico After Gritty Fightback

Gabriel Bortoleto left the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez with a well-earned point, fighting his way from 16th on the grid to 10th in a gritty and well-judged performance. This crucial point provided a much-needed morale boost for Sauber, even as Haas's double points finish pushed them back to P9 in the Constructors' Championship.

Why it matters:

• For a rookie like Bortoleto, converting a challenging grid position into a points finish demonstrates significant race craft and maturity, qualities essential for long-term success in F1.
• In the tight midfield battle, every point is vital. While Sauber slipped in the Constructors' standings due to Haas's strong showing, Bortoleto's point prevents them from losing further ground and keeps their spirits up.

The Details:

• Bortoleto described the race as a "good race" following his fifth top-ten finish of the season.
• He executed a "very solid start" from P16, making up several positions early on.
• Key overtakes included moves on Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz, and Yuki Tsunoda.
• The decisive move for 10th place involved a late-braking lunge on Hadjar into Turn 1.
  • Bortoleto recounted trying the move multiple times before committing, saying, "now, whatever happens it happens, but I need to make this move happen."
• Team Fortunes: While Bortoleto celebrated, teammate Nico Hülkenberg was forced to retire on Lap 25 due to a power issue.
  • Hülkenberg expressed disappointment, believing he "definitely would have had some decent race pace and would have been able to fight for something."

The Big Picture:

Bortoleto's performance in Mexico highlights his steady adaptation to Formula 1. Unlike some rookies who have struggled with consistency, Bortoleto is increasingly showing flashes of brilliance and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. This resilience, especially in a car that isn't always at the sharp end, is a positive sign for his future and Sauber's prospects.

What's next:

With the season progressing, Bortoleto will be looking to build on this momentum. His ability to perform under pressure and secure points when the car is not dominant will be crucial for Sauber as they aim to climb back up the Constructors' Championship standings. The team will also be keen to address the reliability issues that plagued Hülkenberg's race to ensure both cars can consistently compete for points in the upcoming rounds.