Verstappen Secretly Advised Bortoleto on F1 Contracts

Gabriel Bortoleto has disclosed a secret mentorship with Max Verstappen, revealing the three-time world champion advised him on crucial career moves, including his junior contracts with McLaren and his eventual F1 deal with Sauber. This behind-the-scenes guidance highlights a unique bond between the reigning champion and one of the sport's most promising young talents, with Verstappen even recommending Bortoleto to Red Bull.

Why it matters:

This revelation provides a rare glimpse into Max Verstappen's influence beyond his own team, showcasing his role in shaping the next generation of drivers. For Bortoleto, having the reigning champion as an unofficial advisor is an invaluable asset, potentially accelerating his development and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. It also adds a fascinating layer to the future driver market dynamics, especially with Audi's 2026 entry on the horizon.

The details:

• Contract Counsel: Bortoleto sought Verstappen's opinion before signing with McLaren as a junior driver and again before joining Sauber for his F1 debut in 2025.
• Red Bull Endorsement: Verstappen also secretly vouched for Bortoleto within Red Bull, telling the team to "keep an eye on Gabi" before he even reached F1.
• Future Teammate?: Verstappen is open to a future partnership, stating it would be "even better" if they could fight for wins together, though he notes his own plans post-2028 are uncertain.
• Rapid Ascent: The advice comes as Bortoleto enjoys a meteoric rise, winning back-to-back Formula 3 (2023) and Formula 2 (2024) titles on his way to F1.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Bortoleto's performance with Sauber as the team prepares for its high-stakes transformation into the Audi works team in 2026. His development will be a key storyline, and having a champion like Verstappen in his corner could prove to be a decisive advantage. While a future Verstappen-Bortoleto partnership remains speculative, it’s a tantalizing possibility that adds an intriguing subplot to the long-term driver market landscape.