Announced last week by Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto will make his Formula 1 debut in 2025 alongside Nico Hulkenberg. However, Rubens Barrichello argues that the expectations on the young driver in the top category will be immense.
It’s been some time since a Brazilian driver competed in Formula 1, and the passion of Brazilian fans for motorsport is renowned worldwide. Following the legendary Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, and later Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, it’s now up to Gabriel Bortoleto to carry on the legacy left by these icons.
Speaking on the *Beyond the Grid* podcast, Rubens Barrichello shared his thoughts on Gabriel Bortoleto’s upcoming debut in 2025: “Right now, everything is delightful. People look at you differently, the paddock notices you, and it’s all fun.”
“At the moment, his driving skills aren’t in question, but rather his ability to deliver results. But he’s an excellent driver. We’ll just have to see how he handles things mentally and manages the pressure, because it will be intense.”
Drawing from his extensive experience, including his time alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello offered some advice to the young Brazilian: “What I want to tell Gabriel Bortoleto now is to discover himself. We shouldn’t get upset or feel bad about the tough moments. Those moments exist to make us better.”
“It would be boring if we didn’t have them. We’d win every race and never truly understand what it feels like to face the challenge of achieving victory.”
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