Comparisons with Verstappen: Bortoleto is F3 champion in bizarre fashion!
Driver Gabriel Bortoleto has been crowned champion in Formula 3. Taking the title was not expected for the 18-year-old F3 driver from Sao Paulo, as he was told at a strange time that he had become the World Champion. Similarities can be drawn from Max Verstappen's world championship from last year, which was confirmed during the post-race interviews at Suzuka.
Bortoleto hears about his championship like Verstappen did
Bortoleto was told in the pit lane at Monza that he had just become Formula 3 champion in confusing circumstances. A red flag caused by Oliver Goethe meant qualifying for the main race could not be resumed, ensuring a title in Bortoleto's favour, as two bonus points are given to the driver who takes pole position.
Pepe Marti and Paul Aron did not end up get that pole, seeing their last chance for the championship fly by. While Bortoleto was still in the car, he heard that he had become champion in F3.
The first single-seater title of his career
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) September 1, 2023
And the scenes in the pit lane when @gabortoleto85 got it all wrapped up #ItalianGP #F3 pic.twitter.com/dD8BZpD99R