Gabriel Bortoleto is a name that has swiftly risen through the ranks of motorsport, capturing the attention of fans and insiders alike with his remarkable talent and determination. Born on October 14, 2004, in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, this young racing prodigy has already etched his name into the annals of junior formulae racing, securing back-to-back championships in FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 as a rookie—a feat that underscores his extraordinary potential. At just 20 years old, he’s poised to become Brazil’s next great racing icon, following in the footsteps of legends like Ayrton Senna and Emerson Fittipaldi. Beyond his on-track exploits, Bortoleto’s journey is enriched by a fascinating blend of family influence, mentorship from a two-time world champion, and a relentless drive that has propelled him from karting circuits to the cusp of F1 glory.
Here are seven intriguing facts that illuminate the life and career of this rising star.
1. A motorsport family legacy
Gabriel’s passion for racing isn’t a solitary pursuit—it’s deeply rooted in his family. His father, Lincoln Oliveira, is a prominent figure in Brazilian motorsport as the CEO and co-owner of the Stock Car Pro Series, one of the country’s premier racing championships. Lincoln also founded Americanet, a telecommunications company that merged with Vero in 2023 to become a major internet provider in Brazil. The family’s involvement extends further with KTF Racing, a stock car and karting team they operate. Gabriel’s older brother, Enzo, also dipped his toes into racing, competing in Formula 4 and British Formula 3 before transitioning to a career as an entrepreneur.
2. Rookie champion extraordinaire
Bortoleto’s rise through the racing ranks is nothing short of phenomenal, particularly his ability to dominate as a newcomer. In 2023, he clinched the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his debut season with Trident, leading the standings from the opening round in Bahrain and finishing with a 45-point advantage. Not content to rest on his laurels, he stepped up to Formula 2 in 2024 with Invicta Racing and repeated the feat, winning the championship as a rookie once again. This made him only the seventh driver in Formula 2 history to achieve this, and his dramatic victory from last on the grid at Monza showcased a rare blend of skill and resilience.
3. Mentored by Fernando Alonso
One of the most compelling aspects of Bortoleto’s career is his mentorship under Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion. Since joining Alonso’s A14 Management in 2022, Gabriel has benefited from the Spaniard’s vast experience and relentless work ethic. Alonso’s influence was palpable when he personally congratulated Bortoleto on the podium after his first F3 win in Bahrain—a moment Gabriel described as a dream come true.
4. A karting prodigy turned single-seater star
Before conquering the junior formulae, Bortoleto honed his craft in karting, where he laid the foundation for his success. Starting in Brazil at age seven, he moved to Europe at 11 to chase his racing dreams, a bold move supported by his family. His karting peak came in 2018, when he finished third in both the European and World Championships in the OK-Junior category, while also securing vice-champion titles in the WSK Super Master Series and the Andrea Margutti Trophy.
5. Brazil’s first full-time F1 driver since 2017
When Gabriel takes to the grid with Sauber in 2025, he’ll mark a significant milestone for Brazilian motorsport as the country’s first full-time Formula 1 driver since Felipe Massa’s last season in 2017. Brazil has a rich legacy in F1, producing icons like Senna, Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet, and Bortoleto’s arrival reignites national pride.
6. Nicknamed “Bibi” by friends
Behind the fierce competitor lies a personable young man with a endearing nickname—Gabriel is affectionately called “Bibi” by his close friends. This moniker offers a glimpse into his off-track persona, where he balances the intensity of racing with a grounded, approachable nature. Living in Milan, Italy, since his early teens, Bortoleto has adapted to life far from home, building a tight-knit circle that keeps him connected to his roots while chasing his ambitions in Europe’s racing heartland.
7. A dramatic F2 victory from last place
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping highlight of Bortoleto’s career so far came during the 2024 Formula 2 season at Monza. Starting from the back of the grid in the feature race, he executed a stunning drive to take the checkered flag, becoming the first driver in either Formula 2 or Formula 1 history to win from last place.