Bernie Ecclestone made an amazing Gabriel Bortoleto career prediction straight after the Hungarian Grand Prix

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Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has started to show why he was a back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 champion in the last few races.

Aside from the drivers who have occupied the second seat at Alpine this year, Gabriel Bortoleto was the final racer to get off the mark in the drivers’ championship this year.

He can hardly be blamed for that, as he came into the season with far less experience in a Formula 1 car than any other driver, and Sauber had their initial struggles.

Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg struggled at the Chinese Grand Prix, and onboard footage highlights just how difficult their car was to drive.

However, by the time the Spanish Grand Prix came along, Sauber delivered one of the most effective upgrades in the paddock.

Bortoleto scored his first points two races later in Austria, and aside from crashing out at Silverstone in treacherous conditions where Nico Hulkenberg finally secured his first F1 podium, he’s been in the points ever since.

Bernie Ecclestone is one of the most influential men ever to grace Formula 1 and has taken a liking to Bortoleto.

The young Brazilian has explained the role Ecclestone played in helping him reach F1, and the prediction he made immediately after his best-ever result at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto? Everything you need to know

Bernie Ecclestone predicts Gabriel Bortoleto to finish on the podium ‘soon’ after the Hungarian Grand Prix

Bortoleto was speaking on the Na Ponta dos Dedos Podcast after the race at the Hungaroring, and asked about his interaction with the 94-year-old.

He said: “I’ve known him for some time now, he’s extremely influential in the industry, everyone knows who Bernie Ecclestone is. And he supported my entry into F1, if anyone asked.

“He said: ‘You can trust him, he’s a good driver and he’ll deliver results.’ He did that part within Audi itself as well.

“So, I thanked him that day [at the Hungarian GP]. I said: ‘Bernie, thank you very much.’ Because a few words, from a person as influential as him, mean a lot.

“I went to thank him because it’s important to thank the people who supported you in these moments, of entering F1, we know how difficult it is for Brazilians. But it was quick, I had to go to the grid, then he even called me after the race.

“Fabiana [Ecclestone’s wife and vice-president of the FIA in South America] called me and passed it on to him, and he came to congratulate me on the race and said that I drove very well, that he was very happy and that a podium would come soon.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Sauber from team principal to 2026 Audi future

Bernie Ecclestone heaps praise on Gabriel Bortoleto during his rookie Formula 1 season

Ecclestone has been notorious throughout his time in Formula 1 as someone who has been difficult to please.

Even the greatest drivers in the history of the sport haven’t escaped criticism from him in the past.

Before the season started, Ecclestone admitted he couldn’t see Lando Norris winning the championship.

The British driver is only nine points behind Oscar Piastri, but Ecclestone has a habit of getting these predictions right.

Isack Hadjar was suggested as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton by Ecclestone if he decides to walk away from the sport following his difficult weekend in Hungary.

But Bortoleto is worth his weight in gold according to Ecclestone, and while he might have a vested interest in the Brazilian’s success, he’s also got a habit of spotting talent very early on in their F1 careers.