Gabriel Bortoleto is a Brazilian Formula 1 driver who races for Audi in 2026, alongside Nico Hülkenberg. He is regarded as one of the sport’s emerging talents after a rapid rise through the junior categories.

Bortoleto was part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme until the end of 2024. The team released him to allow a quicker path to Formula 1.

He made his Formula 1 debut in 2025 with Sauber, partnering Nico Hülkenberg. Despite the car lacking competitiveness, Bortoleto impressed throughout his rookie season. He also received guidance from Max Verstappen, with whom he has built a close relationship over the years.

In 2026, he continues with Audi, the team that evolved from Sauber, with Hülkenberg remaining his teammate.

Bortoleto enters his second season in Formula 1 with more experience. While Sauber transitions into Audi, much remains unchanged around him, including team leadership and key personnel.

What does change significantly are the technical regulations. A new generation of Formula 1 cars is introduced, requiring all drivers to adapt. Verstappen described the new rules as complex, with drivers needing to think more about how they manage the car.

For Bortoleto, the reset offers an opportunity, as all drivers effectively start from zero under the new regulations.

Bortoleto made his debut season in 2025 with Sauber during a period of transition toward Audi. Alongside the experienced Hülkenberg, he worked under team figures such as Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.

He made an immediate impression by outperforming his teammate in qualifying during the opening race weekend in Australia. The race itself was held in difficult conditions, and Bortoleto eventually retired after a crash.

In the final standings, Bortoleto finished 19th with 19 points, while Hülkenberg ended 11th with 51 points. The results did not fully reflect his performances, as he consistently showed strong pace. Verstappen praised him multiple times, calling him “a killer on track.”

Bortoleto has a close relationship with Max Verstappen. The two first met during their karting years, when Bortoleto approached Verstappen for a photo.

They later reconnected during the Formula Regional European Championship and became friends. Both also competed for Team Redline, strengthening their bond further.

They are often seen together in the paddock and also meet outside of race weekends, as both live in Monaco. In 2025, they appeared together on the Pelas podcast, where they discussed their friendship and mutual respect.

Fernando Alonso has managed young drivers through his A14 Management since 2022. Bortoleto has been part of that group from the early stages, with Alonso playing a key role in helping him secure his Formula 3 seat in 2023.

Bortoleto earned approximately €1.8 million during his debut season with Sauber. He is expected to earn a similar amount at Audi in 2026. His total net worth is currently unknown.

Bortoleto has been in a relationship with fellow Brazilian Isabella Bernardini since 2020. She studies computer science at Eindhoven University of Technology and largely stays out of the spotlight, although she occasionally attends races.

Gabriel Bortoleto was born on October 14, 2004 in São Paulo, Brazil. He is 21 years old and, at 1.84 metres tall, one of the taller drivers on the grid.

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