Between dreams and hopes
The Formula 1 grid for 2025 could be packed with young talent. With Oliver Bearman confirmed at Haas, Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, and Jack Doohan at Alpine, there are already three rookies set to join the grid next season. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson will secure seats as well, a very plausible scenario at this point.
If that happens, there would be five rookies on the starting grid in Bahrain next March, but the number could increase. For weeks now, rumors have been circulating about Audi’s interest in Gabriel Bortoleto, with Mattia Binotto openly expressing admiration for the young driver.
The Brazilian, reigning F3 champion and current F2 leader, still faces competition from Valtteri Bottas, who may renew for another season, and from Franco Colapinto himself, who impressed with his unexpected debut at Williams in Monza.
However, even if the deal with the Neuburg team doesn’t materialize, Fernando Alonso, who manages Gabriel Bortoleto’s interests through his A14 Management agency, believes it’s only a matter of time before the Brazilian is signed by a Formula 1 team.
“He’s an incredible talent and also a very humble person, which I think is the most important thing we need to focus on,” said the two-time world champion, who then continued – “He’s a hard worker, in addition to his talent. I think that’s why he’s made so much progress in Formula 3 and Formula 2. I also believe he’s someone who takes things very seriously, which is never guaranteed at that age.” – he added.
“He won the championship as a rookie in Formula 3 and is fighting for the championship as a rookie in Formula 2, but without the amount of testing that many other rookies have. He’s probably the only real rookie in the championship. So, it’s been an extraordinary achievement. We’ll see what the future holds. But, you know, it’s only a matter of time before he reaches Formula 1,” the Spaniard concluded.
Leave a Reply