Gabriel Bortoleto (born October 14, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil) is a Brazilian racing driver competing in Formula One. He drives for the Audi Revolut F1 Team and is regarded as one of the most successful junior drivers of his generation, having won consecutive FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 championships in his rookie seasons.
Bortoleto was named the 2024 FIA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his rapid progression through the junior single-seater ranks and his immediate impact at each level of competition.
EARLY LIFE & KARTING CAREER
Bortoleto was born in São Paulo and developed an interest in motorsport at a young age, inspired by three-time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna. He began karting at the age of six and quickly established himself as a competitive driver in Brazilian junior categories.
Between 2012 and 2014, Bortoleto won multiple regional and national karting titles. At age eleven, he relocated to Europe to pursue a professional racing career, a move that placed him within the established European junior development ladder.
JUNIOR SINGLE-SEATER CAREER
Bortoleto made his single-seater debut in 2020 in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, where he finished fourth overall in his rookie season. His performances earned him a move into Formula Regional competition, where he raced in both European and Asian championships over the following two seasons, gaining experience on a wide range of circuits and conditions.
In 2023, Bortoleto stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship. In his debut season, he delivered a consistent and dominant campaign, securing multiple podium finishes and race victories en route to the championship title. His success marked him as one of the most promising prospects in the junior ranks.
Bortoleto progressed to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024. Replicating his previous year’s achievement, he won the title in his rookie season, becoming one of the few drivers to secure back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2 on their first attempts. His performance earned him the FIA Rookie of the Year award and widespread recognition within the Formula One paddock.
FORMULA 1 CAREER
Sauber (2025)
Following his Formula 2 title, Bortoleto signed with Sauber for the 2025 Formula One season, partnering experienced German driver Nico Hülkenberg. His rookie campaign was noted for consistent development and adaptability as he adjusted to the demands of Formula One competition.
Audi Revolut F1 Team (2026-)
In 2026, Bortoleto entered his second Formula One season as part of Audi’s works entry, the Audi Revolut F1 Team. As the team transitioned into full factory status under Audi branding, Bortoleto was retained as a key part of its long-term driver lineup.
Heading into the 2026 season, he was widely regarded as a cornerstone of Audi’s future Formula One ambitions, expected to translate his junior success and rookie-year experience into consistent results at the sport’s highest level.
DRIVING STYLE & REPUTATION
Bortoleto is known for his smooth driving style, racecraft, and ability to manage tires over long stints—qualities that contributed to his success in the highly competitive Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships. His rapid rise through the junior ranks has drawn comparisons with other drivers who won multiple titles in consecutive rookie seasons before progressing to Formula One.
CAREER SUMMARY
Karting career: Multiple Brazilian junior titles (2012–2014)
Single-seater debut: Italian Formula 4 Championship (2020)
FIA Formula 3 Champion: 2023 (rookie season)
FIA Formula 2 Champion: 2024 (rookie season)
FIA Rookie of the Year: 2024
Formula One debut: 2025 with Sauber
Audi Revolut F1 Team driver: 2026–
PHOTO GALLERY
