Bortoleto Admits Tough F1 Start, But Urges Patience Amid Kick Sauber Struggles
Gabriel Bortoleto has opened up about the challenges of his rookie Formula 1 season with Kick Sauber, admitting that the transition from title-winning glory in Formula 2 and Formula 3 to battling at the back of the field has been a humbling experience.
The 20-year-old Brazilian arrived in F1 with immense promise, having secured back-to-back championships in F3 (2023) and F2 (2024), both on debut. But 2025 has brought a reality check, as Bortoleto finds himself far from the podium positions he’s grown used to. So far, his best result remains a P14 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, and he is yet to open his F1 points account.
Speaking during the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bortoleto described the season as “not easy,” saying: “You come from two championships – you’re used to being in this room but actually after a race, because you win or you are on the podium. Now for us it’s already a mega job if you’re going to Q2 or fighting for Q3.”
Despite the early struggles, Bortoleto remains grounded and optimistic. He pointed to the career trajectory of George Russell as inspiration. Russell endured a winless, point-less rookie season with Williams but has since become a Grand Prix winner and podium regular at Mercedes.
“There’s always going to be someone paying this price at the beginning,” Bortoleto explained. “If you see George Russell at the beginning of his Formula 1 career, I don’t think he scored a point in his first season… And now he’s one of the best drivers on the grid.”
Bortoleto also praised teammate Nico Hulkenberg , who has managed to snatch points in chaotic races despite the car’s current limitations. But he acknowledged that, realistically, Kick Sauber lacks the pace to fight in the midfield on merit alone.
Looking ahead, Bortoleto is focused on development and staying positive. “What we need to do now is try to point the team in the right direction with the development of the car,” he said. “I’ve learned something: everything can happen. So we cannot give up.”
For now, patience and persistence remain Bortoleto’s watchwords as he adapts to life in Formula 1 – and waits for his moment to shine.