Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, has candidly admitted that his move to Formula 1 with Sauber in 2025 has been far more challenging than anticipated. After dominating the junior categories with titles in both Formula 3 and Formula 2, the Brazilian rookie finds himself grappling with life at the back of the F1 grid, a stark contrast to his championship-winning days.
In a recent interview, Bortoleto reflected on the emotional and professional toll of competing in an uncompetitive Sauber car, which has struggled to score points in the 2025 season. “To be honest, it’s not easy,” he said, drawing comparisons to Mercedes driver George Russell, who endured similar struggles early in his F1 career with Williams. “Coming from two championships where I was fighting for wins and titles, and now being at the back, it’s a big change. But we can’t give up.”
Bortoleto’s struggles highlight the harsh realities of transitioning from the feeder series to F1, particularly with a team like Sauber, which has faced ongoing performance issues following a disappointing 2024 season. Fans and analysts have expressed sympathy for the 20-year-old, with some noting the psychological impact of moving from F2 dominance to consistent P20 finishes or race retirements. One X user remarked, “The concept of going from winning the F2 championship to being P20 every race or barely even finishing must have done a number on his psyche.”
Despite the challenges, Bortoleto remains focused on the long term. He cited Russell’s journey as an inspiration, emphasizing patience and resilience. “George was in a similar position, and now he’s fighting for podiums and wins. It’s about staying strong and waiting for the right opportunity,” he said.
Sauber’s struggles are compounded by uncertainty surrounding their future, with the team set to transition to Audi in 2026. However, skepticism persists about the team’s ability to improve in the short term. One X post noted, “Sauber no mejora después del desastroso 2024, y no creo que cambie mucho cuando sean Audi el próximo año.”
Bortoleto’s situation has sparked broader discussions about the challenges young drivers face when entering F1 with lower-tier teams. While contemporaries like Isack Hadjar, Ollie Bearman, and Kimi Antonelli have secured points-scoring finishes with more competitive outfits, Bortoleto’s Sauber seat has been described as “one of the worst” on the grid.