At Zandvoort Hulkenberg races ‘at home’. Bortoleto wants “to keep learning”
The Sauber Formula 1 team returns to action after the summer break, buoyed by strong performances in the first half of the season. The highlight came with the remarkable podium finish secured by veteran Nico Hulkenberg at the British Grand Prix, a result that energized the Swiss team ahead of the final ten races under the Sauber name before it transitions to the official Audi team in 2026.
Back from the summer break
As the paddock heads to the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the team is ready to face the challenges of the twisting coastal track located just 30 kilometers from Amsterdam. For Hulkenberg, the race represents something of a homecoming, as it is the closest circuit to his hometown of Emmerich and the absence of a German Grand Prix leaves him with no true domestic race.
“It’s fantastic to be back on track,” Hulkenberg commented during the pre-race briefing. “I’ve recharged my energy during the break with my family and friends, and now I’m ready for the challenges ahead. I have many fond memories of racing in the Netherlands during my karting days, and Zandvoort is the closest track to my hometown in this year’s calendar, so it has a special meaning for me. It’s a fun circuit with elevation changes and a mix of corners—a real driver’s track. I’m motivated to continue the work we’ve started and give my absolute best in the second half of the season.”
Rookie Bortoleto seeks further progress
Alongside Nico Hulkenberg, Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto is looking to continue his upward trajectory after several strong performances in the races before the summer break, highlighted by a superb sixth-place finish in Hungary. “The break was positive for me,” said Gabriel Bortoleto, who is part of the Fernando Alonso driver academy. “I spent time with my family and friends back in Brazil, but I’m eager to get back on track. We’re entering the final phase of my rookie season, and I want every session to count. My goal is to keep learning, keep improving, and help the team fight for strong results.”
Reflecting on the Zandvoort circuit, Gabriel Bortoleto added: “This is a special place to restart the season. I last raced here in 2022 in Formula Regional and had a lot of fun. We want to focus on maintaining the strong form we’ve shown so far and build on it moving forward.”
Both Sauber drivers are motivated and ready to capitalize on their momentum as they approach the Dutch Grand Prix, aiming for solid points and continued development as the 2025 Formula 1 season heads into its final stretch.
Leave a Reply