Gabriel Bortoleto shares confidence ahead of Bahrain, ready to apply lessons learned. Gabriel Bortoleto reflects on his experience at the Bahrain circuit.

In Bahrain to Return to the Top-10

After the Japanese Grand Prix, where the team ended the weekend without scoring any points, Sauber is now ready to face a new challenge this weekend in Sakhir, Bahrain. A track that, unlike the Japanese one, will provide more overtaking opportunities for both drivers, but not just that.

Not a First Time

Here, unlike Suzuka, Gabriel Bortoleto has more experience. Last year, the Brazilian secured pole position in Formula 2 and also took part in the Formula 1 pre-season tests in February: “I can’t wait to return to Bahrain,” commented the Sauber rookie, still looking for his first top-10 finish. “It will be another opportunity to make the most of what I’ve learned so far and continue improving. I also went back to the factory earlier this week to further prepare for the race. I also know this track quite well compared to Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka. The conditions here can often present an additional challenge, with the track evolving significantly over the weekend and the wind playing a key role, but I am prepared for whatever this weekend might throw at us. Every session will be an opportunity to push to the maximum, adapt, and make progress.”

Still Work to Do

Winter testing can offer all teams a chance to make progress this weekend, but the first to be cautious is Nico Hülkenberg: “Bahrain is completely different from Suzuka, as the layout of the track requires the utmost in braking and traction,” he added. “We’ve already been here in February, and we learned a lot since then, developing the car in some areas. However, we know that there is still work to be done in terms of overall performance, and it will be about working in every session, focusing on the areas where we can improve. The goal is to build on this, making sure to maximize our learnings to be in a favorable position for the race.”