In a dramatic qualifying session for the 2025 Japan Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto faced a challenging day at the Suzuka Circuit, ultimately finishing in 17th position. The Brazilian driver, representing Sauber, found himself just a fraction behind his teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, who secured 16th place, with only 0.052 seconds separating the two. Despite the early exit from Q1, Bortoleto expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting the close competition within the team.
"I was just a tenth off, and I felt all my laps were good, without any mistakes. I finished close to my teammate, which is encouraging considering how fast and experienced he is," Bortoleto stated after the session, reflecting on the tight margins that defined his qualifying run.
The qualifying session began promisingly for Bortoleto, who initially placed as high as ninth during the early stages of Q1. However, as the session progressed, other drivers improved their times, pushing him out of the qualifying zone. Bortoleto ultimately fell into the elimination zone as the clock ticked down, finishing just 0.068 seconds above the cutoff time set by Liam Lawson.
After the session, Bortoleto acknowledged that minor adjustments could have made a difference in his performance. "We could have made a small step forward to improve the car for the last tire run, but we decided to play it safe and not change too much. To be fair, I’m happy with my laps and content with what we brought home today; I think this is the position we can aim for," he explained.
Throughout the weekend, Bortoleto and his team focused on finding the ideal setup for the car. He noted that the evolving track conditions played a significant role in the qualifying results. "The track has a lot of grip evolution, so we decided that if we were happy with the car, we wouldn't change it for the last attempt. If the balance wasn’t perfect, we would adjust as necessary," he said.
Despite the disappointment of not advancing to Q2, Bortoleto remained optimistic about his performance and the team's potential. He emphasized the importance of maximizing the car's setup to compete effectively, especially in a highly competitive field. "In a top car, it doesn’t make much difference whether you’re understeering or oversteering; you can easily get into the top 10. For us, it’s crucial to have everything right to make it into Q2," he remarked.
The pole position for the Japan GP was secured by Max Verstappen, who outpaced Lando Norris, with both drivers showcasing impressive speed throughout the qualifying session. Verstappen's time of 1:26.983 put him at the front of the grid, while Norris followed closely behind.
As the race approaches, Bortoleto’s focus shifts to the upcoming event scheduled for April 6, 2025, at 2:00 AM Brasilia time. The young driver is determined to make the most of his starting position and hopes to capitalize on any opportunities that may arise during the race.
Looking ahead, Bortoleto expressed confidence in his ability to learn from the qualifying experience. "I’m happy with the team’s work this weekend. I managed to put together clean laps, and I just needed that final adjustment to advance, but this is our competition, and we know where we stand," he concluded.
With the Japan GP set to unfold soon, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Bortoleto and Sauber navigate the challenges ahead on the track. The race promises to be an exciting event, with the potential for surprises and strategic battles as drivers vie for position.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, Bortoleto's development as a driver and his adaptability in varying conditions will be crucial for his success in upcoming races. The competitive landscape of Formula 1 demands constant improvement, and Bortoleto's commitment to learning and evolving will be key as he seeks to establish himself among the elite in the sport.
With a determined spirit and a supportive team behind him, Gabriel Bortoleto is poised to tackle the challenges of the Japan GP head-on, aiming for a strong performance that showcases his talent and potential in the world of Formula 1.
