Gabriel Bortoleto has made his debut as the newest driver for Sauber—now branded as Stake F1 Team—at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, signaling the start of his long-anticipated Formula 1 career. The Brazilian, who previously dominated the junior categories by winning the Formula 3 championship in 2023 and the Formula 2 championship in 2024, has qualified for F1 as the first full-time Brazilian driver since Felipe Massa's retirement.
During the free practice sessions on March 14, 2025, Bortoleto demonstrated promise as he handled the new C45 car. He finished 15th during the first session (FP1) and improved to 18th place in the second session (FP2). "It was very good, very positive. I'm happy with what we did today in FP1 and FP2. There were positive tests, especially with both cars, to understand what's good and what's bad for tomorrow, for qualifying and FP3. I'm excited for tomorrow," Bortoleto expressed enthusiastically to Grande Prêmio.
This year, Sauber's rebranding to Stake F1 Team aligns with new sponsorship agreements with major brands, aiming at refreshing their image and prospects within the sport. Nico Hülkenberg, Bortoleto's experienced teammate, clocked the 8th fastest time during FP2, establishing himself as a competitive force on the grid. "It seems we can do something good," Bortoleto noted when asked about expectations for the Top 10 during qualifying.
The illustrious Albert Park Circuit, hosting the Australian GP for the 28th time, will see 58 laps battling on a famously challenging 5,278-meter-long track with 14 turns. The schedule for the GP involves Free Practice 3 at 22:30 on March 14, followed by qualifying at 02:00 on March 15, and the main race on March 16, 2025, at 01:00. Bortoleto's ability to analyze data and adapt quickly to new circumstances will prove pivotal as he seeks to make his mark.
Anticipation among Brazilian fans is rising, particularly as Bortoleto's prior accolades have set expectations high. His salary of approximately USD 2 million per year places him among the top-paid rookies, reinforcing hopes for Sauber's resurgence under the new branding and sponsorship strategy.
Before the race weekend, the arrival of new talents has been complemented by experienced drivers, creating interesting dynamics on the track. Veteran Fernando Alonso, who continues to impress with his prowess at the seasoned age of 43, was mentioned by the new drivers as someone to watch this season. During the press conference, when asked who would achieve the best results, the rookies unanimously fingered Alonso, indicating the respect he commands.
For Bortoleto, Alonso’s mentorship is invaluable. Not only does it showcase the connection between veterans and newcomers, but it also highlights Bortoleto’s potential as he seeks to carve out his name among the greatest. Being tutored by a two-time world champion may offer him insights not just on racecraft, but also on sustaining performance across varied circuits and conditions.
The excitement is palpable as motorsports experts watch the 2025 season evolve. With the refresh of Sauber as Stake F1 Team and the inclusion of Bortoleto, it appears the team is dedicated to building not just competitiveness, but also long-term success with Audi's takeover slated for 2026. This highlighted feeling of urgency among fans articulates their hope for immediate achievements on the Australian route.
Bortoleto shared some optimism about the upcoming races stating, “It’s hard to say before qualifying what we can achieve, but it looks promising.” With numerous seasoned competitors and other budding talents on the grid, the season is set up as explorative, driven by the blend of youth and experience. Each race serves as both opportunity and challenge, meaning Saturday’s qualifying will be telling not just for Bortoleto, but also for the entire Stake F1 Team.
This debut race will pave the way for Bortoleto’s future, setting the narrative not just for this season but also for many to come. The Brazilian driver is determined to put his best foot forward, hoping to establish himself not only as a noteworthy competitor but as the pride of Brazilian motorsport.