Alonso’s guidance proving vital for Bortoleto in impressive F1 rookie season

Gabriel Bortoleto has spoken about the "really helpful" relationship he and Fernando Alonso have, as well as explaining the help he has had from the Spaniard.

Alonso became the manager of Bortoleto on September 15, 2022, after the Brazilian joined Alonso's driver management company A14.

Since then, the two-time world champion has been mentoring Bortoleto, seeing him win championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2 with extremely promising results, with those back-to-back titles culminating in Bortoleto's move to F1 and earning a rookie drive with Sauber in the 2025 season.

Gabriel Bortoleto has had a very impressive rookie season with Sauber, scoring 18 points to sit P16 in the championship

Bortoleto explains relationship with Alonso

Next season, Sauber will become Audi for the 2026 season, and there will be huge expectation on the shoulders of Bortoleto.

"I think I would say manager and friend," Bortoleto explained when asked what kind of relationship he has with the Spaniard while on the Beyond the Grid podcast.

"Not a boss, because we do things together, we decide things together, and my boss is Mattia and Jonathan and the guys from Audi."

So far, the Brazilian has scored 18 points this season, achieving a career-best P6 at the Hungaroring.

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It has been a meteoric rise for Bortoleto, winning titles in both his rookie years in the junior formulae to make his way into the premier class of motorsport, and the advice from Alonso has allowed the 20-year-old to settle into F1 magnificently.

"With Fernando, he has so much experience, so much knowledge about this world, and he helps me with a lot of things in my career, and outside my career as well.

"Fernando is really helpful with the driving side and helping me to get inside Formula 1, pushing a lot with Sauber.

"We have a very respectful relationship. Sometimes he gives me a ride in the plane with him. I give him some rides back home in Monaco when we land!"