Gabriel Bortoleto relives special F2 win as Sauber aims for strong Monza weekend | 2025 F1 Italian GP. Gabriel Bortoleto returns to Monza with Sauber aiming for redemption after a tough Dutch GP weekend.

Gabriel Bortoleto excited for Monza: “Here I feel at home. My F2 victory is a special memory”

Sauber seeks redemption after a disappointing Dutch GP weekend

After a challenging weekend in Zandvoort, where Sauber dropped from seventh to eighth in the Constructors’ standings and saw their gap to sixth place widen from 1 to 11 points, the Swiss team is looking to bounce back at Monza. The Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, carries special significance for Gabriel Bortoleto, who won the F2 Feature Race at this circuit just 12 months ago—a pivotal step on his path to the championship.

Gabriel Bortoleto racing ‘at home’

“Monza means a lot to me,” said the Brazilian driver ahead of the Italian weekend. “I have great memories of my Formula 2 win here last year, and having lived in Italy for several years, I feel a bit at home. There’s something special about this track, with its incredible motorsport history and the energy it gives you—it provides that extra push. The weekend in Zandvoort was difficult, but the atmosphere within the team remains positive. The first part of the season has shown what we are capable of, and that’s where we aim to return. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car, making the most of the weekend, and fighting for a strong result to finish the European races on a high note.”

Nico Hulkenberg confident

Veteran Nico Hulkenberg, joining Sauber as part of the future Audi project, also fired up the team ahead of the Italian round. After an incredible podium at Silverstone, Hulkenberg has struggled to score points in recent races. “The latter part of the season didn’t start as we had planned, but that’s behind us now. All our energy is focused on Monza. Before the summer break, we showed encouraging form, and the goal is to return to that level this weekend. Monza is always special—the history, the fans, the paddock atmosphere. It’s also the last European round before heading overseas, so it’s important to end this part of the season on a positive note. I’m confident we can get back on track, return to our recent performances, and fight for points.”