Fernando Alonso, the seasoned veteran of Formula 1, recently took to the defense of his protégé, Gabriel Bortoleto, after Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, labeled the Brazilian rookie as a ‘B driver’. This commentary came during Marko's appearance on Servus TV, where he controversially suggested Bortoleto was not at the same level as some of his peers.
Marko's remarks cast a shadow over Bortoleto's impressive track record, which includes winning back-to-back rookie titles in both Formula 3 and F2. Alonso, who manages Bortoleto through his A14 enterprise, was quick to dismiss the negativity, emphasizing, "I think Helmut has to defend his drivers, but the actual facts carry more weight than his words." He pointed out the deductive reasoning behind the mixed opinions surrounding the rookie driver.
During the qualifying rounds for the Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit on March 15, 2025, Bortoleto showcased his talent by progressing to Q2. This was no small feat, as he outperformed several established drivers, including his highly-reputed teammate Nico Hulkenberg, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Red Bull’s Liam Lawson. Despite competing for the less prestigious Sauber team, Bortoleto made his mark with commendable speeds on the track.
Alonso commended Bortoleto’s performance, stating, "Gabriel winning F3 and F2 titles as a rookie speaks volumes about his capabilities." He also referenced the competitive nature of last year's F2 championship, where Bortoleto and Racing Bulls newcomer Isack Hadjar finished as the top two drivers, asserting, "They both have incredible talent, and they both are now in F1, which is a great sign for the future." Alonso underlined the importance of both drivers and hinted at the potential flaws within Marko's assessment.
After his strong qualifying performance, Bortoleto openly addressed the criticism he received, asserting, "Maybe he will check the lap timing today, but as I said before, his opinion is not going to change my life. I will hopefully prove him wrong with time." This sentiment not only reinforces his confidence but also shows his maturity at such an early stage of his career.
Tragically, Bortoleto's promising qualifying run didn't translate to ultimate success, as he finished the session 15th overall owing to mistakes made during his lap. Reflecting on these errors, he admitted, "I made a mistake in my lap, I pressed too hard on T4 and ended up running over the curb too much. That was risky; at one point, I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to keep the car on track." It was clear from his tone, though, the Brazilian was taking this setback with grace, mentioning his satisfaction with his initial qualification results.
What lies directly before Bortoleto is the main race scheduled for the weekend, which holds great promise amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Australian Grand Prix. Notably, rain is anticipated during the race, something Bortoleto is not shying away from but, rather, is eager to tackle. Expressing enthusiasm for the potential wet conditions, he remarked, "Wet is one of my favorite conditions. I always felt comfortable driving, and it’s quite the adventure." His fearless attitude shines through as he prepares to navigate the challenges this weekend will present.
Bortoleto's qualifying achievement and Alonso’s strong defense not only validate their potential but also set the stage for what could be a thrilling season. With the Brazilian rookie determined to forge his own path, fans are left wondering: will Gabriel Bortoleto continue to defy expectations and prove his critics, including Marko, wrong? The excitement is palpable as the Australian Grand Prix approaches, promising to be more than just another race on the calendar.
While many eyes will be watching the outcomes on the track, both Bortoleto and Alonso will be mindful of the words they've shared, and the challenges yet to come. With the pressure mounting, the outcome of the race could have serious ramifications for the young Brazilian’s burgeoning career within Formula 1.