Gabriel Bortoleto Pitches Max Verstappen on Future Audi Teammate Role

F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto has openly expressed his desire to team up with four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, but on one condition: Verstappen would need to join him at Audi. Bortoleto, a Sauber junior, highlighted their strong friendship and the invaluable advice he receives from the Red Bull star.

Why it matters:

This unusual proposition comes amidst a backdrop of speculation regarding Verstappen's long-term future in F1, especially with Red Bull's internal dynamics. A potential link-up with a rising talent like Bortoleto at an ambitious new manufacturer like Audi could signal a significant shift in the F1 driver market.

The details:

• Bortoleto confirmed to RacingNews365 his wish to race alongside Verstappen, emphasizing the Dutchman's talent for building a championship-winning team. "He didn't win four titles because he was lucky. He won it because he was in a team that, when he got there, was not a world championship team, and then he built it up with them and made them win," Bortoleto stated.
• Their bond stems from a shared passion for gaming and racing simulators, with Verstappen serving as a crucial mentor to Bortoleto during his rookie F2 season.
• Verstappen frequently offers unsolicited advice on tracks, corners, and overall development, which Bortoleto credits as hugely beneficial. "Sometimes I don't even ask; it's coming from him, and obviously, you need to be curious, but it's very nice to have someone like this," he explained.
• Bortoleto is currently content with his situation at Sauber and their future Audi project, stating, "I'm happy where I am, and I am very glad with the project we have."

The big picture:

Verstappen's mentorship of Bortoleto appears to be driven by genuine friendship and a desire to see the young Brazilian succeed, with "zero interest" in return. Bortoleto, who believes Verstappen "probably likes me," looks up to the Red Bull ace as "the top guy in Formula 1."

What's next:

While a Verstappen-Audi move remains purely speculative, Bortoleto's comments underscore the strong bond between the two drivers and offer an intriguing glimpse into potential future driver market scenarios, especially as Audi prepares for its F1 entry in 2026.