The 2025 season saw five young talents make their F1 debuts. There are those who have had some difficulties in the lower categories, those who have burned the stages and those who have already debuted in 2024. Everyone has achieved their dream in a different way. And then there is Gabriel Bortoleto.
Winner of Formula 3 in his first year and of Formula 2 the following year: has a perfect resume, impeccable, which should project him into the world of Formula 1 as one of the best talents of the new generation. Yet the Brazilian driver occupies the last position In the championship standings and among the rookies Bortoleto with his Stake is the driver in the most difficulty. What happened? Is there really a problem or is it just an adjustment phase due to a failing car?
Bortoleto and his difficulties compared in Stake
To clarify, it is important to compare the Brazilian's start to the season with that of his more experienced German teammate. Nico Hulkenberg is also struggling at the start of this season, proving that the Stake is a very complicated car to drive. But above all very slow. Bortoleto had started well, especially on the single lap. In the first two qualifying sessions, in Australia and the sprint in China, he had qualified for Q2. On the contrary, Hulkenberg, known for being a great interpreter of the qualifying session, had not passed the first cut. In the last 3 qualifying sessions, however, he has always stopped in Q1, never in front of his teammate, just like in the last 3 races, where he has always been close to the last position.
Now the 20-year-old from Sao Paulo is in a key moment in his career: he must find consistency in his results and try to stay ahead of his teammate, or at least worry him. With an uncompetitive car he can do nothing but gain experience, show off and take advantage of every opportunity. A great opportunity was certainly the chaotic and wet debut race, where Hulkenberg finished seventh while Bortoleto hit the wall. The young driver can still grow without too much pressure since Audi has signed him for the 2026 season as well.
Three examples from the past, between similarities and differences
A car that doesn't allow a driver to show his potential can be frustrating to drive. Especially if, as in the case of Bortoleto, he is used to being at the top of the rankings and winning races. In this regard, we have 3 recent examples of drivers who arrived in Formula 1 after the F3-F2 double as rookies: Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri.
After a few adaptation races with his Alfa Romeo, the Monegasque began to string together excellent placings, finishing in the points zone 10 times and obtaining 39 points. three times more than Marcus Ericsson, his teammate in 2018. Russell's rookie year was much more complicated in 2019: a Williams forced to the back due to its poor competitiveness did not allow him to obtain any points. However, he beat his very experienced teammate Kubica on almost every occasion, showing his talent and proving himself fast even without obtaining great results. Finally, Piastri's debut in 2023 is more recent history. The Australian driver, after a complicated start to the season, has made protagonist in the second part of the season with the victory of the sprint race in Qatar and 2 podiums, thanks to the updates of McLaren during the season.
A change of direction is necessary
Bortoleto's early career seems very similar to Russell's, relegated to the back and with a very experienced driver alongside him. The British driver is now considered one of the best on the grid, racing for a top team and has 3 wins and several podiums under his belt. This shows that Even starting in a low-ranking team you can emerge. From this point of view, Bortoleto still has demonstrated little, but as seen previously he has time. Although he should not underestimate the ruthlessness of Formula 1: if he doesn't prove he can stay ahead of Hulkenberg, it's unlikely that many doors will open for him after 2026.
One point in favour of the Brazilian driver is that he is under theFernando Alonso's protective wing. As for Oscar Piastri, who is managed by Mark Webber, Bortoleto can benefit from the Spaniard's experience in the circus, his manager, who can certainly help him both with problems on the track and with his career choices. The Spaniard spoke out about the young talent, defining him the best of the new generationHelmut Marko, who on the opening weekend of 2025 had expressed himself negatively about the Brazilian, calling him a “B-series” pilot. But if Stake still creates difficulties for Bortoleto, it will have to be him to convincing everyone out there and the task will not be easy. What about fantasy managers? Where are we at with rookie investments?
