Gabriel Bortoleto's inaugural performance during the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit showcased his potential as the first Brazilian driver to be on the grid since 2017. Over three days, Bortoleto logged 174 laps, with his best time being 1:31.057, placing him 18th overall. While the absolute position may not impress, the primary aim of these tests was to gather data and experience rather than to focus solely on lap times.
Throughout the testing phase, Bortoleto faced various challenges. On the first day, he only participated during the afternoon session, following his teammate Nico Hulkenberg's earlier run. His initial time on the track was marked by two installation laps with medium tires before returning to the pits—standard protocol for initial assessments. Unfortunately, the session was interrupted by a one-hour stoppage due to power issues at the circuit, limiting his visibility.
Despite these setbacks, Bortoleto was able to complete 59 laps, finishing the day with the 12th fastest time, thereby outperforming Hulkenberg. Reflecting on his experience, Bortoleto stated, "My first official day with the C45 was quite interesting. We focused on some aerodynamic laps during the session, testing various aspects, and I had some new tires to enjoy. Overall, I’m happy with what we achieved today."
On the second testing day, which featured unexpected weather developments, Bortoleto faced another wave of challenges. Rain fell during the session, prompting the team to adjust their strategies. The Brazilian driver initially struggled with performance, completing only 19 laps by midway through the session. Nevertheless, he managed to clock his best lap of 1:31.057 by the end, which placed him 15th overall. Bortoleto noted, "I had some issues with the floor of the car, which affected our performance. But I still gathered important mileage, which is beneficial for adjusting to the Sauber."
By the third and final day of testing, Bortoleto was determined to maximize his performance on the C45. He entered the track early, hoping to capitalize on the cooler morning temperatures. Unfortunately, mechanical issues prevented him from achieving significant lap time, resulting him completing only 35 laps. His best time of the session was 1:32.147, leaving him to finish the day with the ninth overall position by pure chance. Yet, he expressed satisfaction with his adaptation to the car and the team dynamics.
Throughout the testing period, the performance metrics revealed some stark realities. The fastest lap of the pre-season, 1:29.348, was achieved by Carlos Sainz from Williams, indicating the gap Sauber needed to close. Nevertheless, Bortoleto showed solid progress compared to his more experienced teammate Hulkenberg during several sessions, raising hopes for their competitive edge as they move closer to the official season kickoff.
Bortoleto’s final thoughts echoed enthusiasm for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, where he will make his official debut. He stated, "It was great to log these three testing days; they were productive for learning about the car and the team. Now, we’re gearing up for the season opener. It’s exhilarating to think about my first F1 race, and I can’t wait to get started.”
With two weeks remaining until the Grand Prix of Australia, Bortoleto and the Sauber team are focusing on refining their strategies and troubleshooting any last-minute issues based on the data collected during their pre-season efforts. All are optimistic yet prepared for the challenges of the fast-paced F1 environment, hoping to position the team competitively.