Rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto made waves during his debut performance at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, proving skeptics wrong with his impressive qualifying results. Known for his strong track credentials, Bortoleto’s performance directly challenged the dismissive remarks made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who had earlier labeled him as a mere ‘B driver.’
During the qualifying session on March 15, 2025, Bortoleto advanced to Q2, outpacing veteran teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who was eliminated during the first segment. Bortoleto’s achievements are even more noteworthy considering he is one of five newcomers to the Formula 1 circuit this season—the reigning Formula 2 champion now boasts a seat with Sauber, which is set to transition to Audi following this season.
Marko’s comments about Bortoleto had cast shadows over the rookie’s skills, implying he was not ready for the top tier of racing. “Maybe he will check the live timing today,” Bortoleto quipped to the media, disregarding Marko's assessment as uninformed. “But as I said before, and I stick to the same - his opinion is not going to change my life. I will hopefully prove him wrong with time.”
Bortoleto certainly seemed determined to showcase his driving ability. Starting from the midfield, not far behind his mentor and manager, Fernando Alonso, he humorously joked about potentially ‘divebombing’ the seasoned driver, but clarified his respect for competing fairly on the track. “I wanted to give it a shot at Q3 and pushed a little too hard on my lap,” Bortoleto noted after his qualifying session, reflecting on the learning curve every rookie faces.
Looking forward to the race scheduled for March 16, 2025, Bortoleto expressed excitement over the possibility of wet conditions. “I’m excited. I can’t wait. Wet is one of my favourite conditions,” he said. The forecast predicts rain, which adds to his eagerness, as he felt his limited chances of racing in the rain recently had not dampened his enthusiasm. “Every time I jump in the rain, I’m very happy to drive, and I have a lot of fun,” he added, viewing it as another chance to gain experience.
Despite the thrill, Bortoleto faced challenges during his qualifying sessions. An overzealous maneuver during Turn 4 almost resulted in him losing control of the vehicle, but the Brazilian managed to keep the car on track, learning valuable lessons about dealing with pressure and the intricacies of the Albert Park circuit. He stated, “It didn’t really make sense to try again. Still, I think we can be quite satisfied with the job done today.”
The stakes for the rookie driver are high, particularly with the backdrop of Marko’s earlier condescension. Bortoleto carries not just his dreams, but the weight of expectations and the desire to prove his capabilities. With supporters including Alonso, who sponsored him as he started his racing career, Bortoleto has already garnered attention and support.
Off the track, Bortoleto’s personal life also reflects his dedication. His girlfriend Isabella Bernardini, pursuing computer science studies, shares the same Brazilian roots, maintaining privacy over their relationship. Though Bortoleto has gained popularity on social media—with over one million followers—he remains private about his life beyond racing.
Bortoleto’s entry to F1 marks not just the beginning of his professional career but also sets the stage for potential rivalries and recognition within the sport. Amid his competitive spirit, he acknowledges the difficult nature of Formula 1 racing, especially during his first event. Still, he holds firmly to the commitment of pushing limits and refining his skills. “Opinions will not change my life. I will hopefully prove him wrong with time,” he said, reiteratively sharing his resolve.
With his inaugural race on the horizon, the anticipation is palpable—not just for Bortoleto, but for fans and commentators eager to see how the young driver will navigate the challenges of the track. Regardless of the outcome, the rookie has already carved out his presence and showcased the potential to excel. The determination, skill, and enthusiasm he has exhibited promise to not only influence fans but also make significant impressions on his rivals within the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
Following the inaugural lap, the global racing community will surely be watching Bortoleto closely, anticipating his next moves and performance throughout the season. With every turn, the rookie is not only proving Marko wrong; he is making his mark on the racing world, and there's no doubt he'll be one to watch for years to come.