Gabriel Bortoleto explains how Fernando Alonso’s ‘perception’ of him has changed since making his F1 debut

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Gabriel Bortoleto has been one of the shining new additions to the F1 grid in the current campaign, with the Sauber rookie catching the eye of many ahead of the team’s highly anticipated rebrand to Audi for 2026.

Bortoleto is managed by two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso, and the admiration for each other’s skill set goes both ways.

The Spaniard was an integral part of the youngster’s development since taking the role of overseeing his career, and played a part in getting him on the F1 grid.

Max Verstappen is also fond of the Sauber driver, with the two avid sim-racers often racing together in their downtime.

Bortoleto believes Verstappen is one of the best drivers ever, previously comparing the four-time world champion to iconic names such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

However, personal relationships have no place in the heat of on-track Formula 1 battles, and Bortoleto has come to realise that in his rookie season, as he is pitted against both Alonso and Verstappen.

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

Fernando Alonso’s perception of Gabriel Bortoleto has changed now that the Brazilian is ‘battling’ for points

In an interview with Stock Car Brasil, Bortoleto was asked if his close confidantes on the grid, Alonso and Verstappen, have viewed him in a different light after emerging as a points-contender as the season has progressed.

“I think it’s hard to say exactly how they see me right now,” Bortoleto replied. “Obviously, I’m still a rookie, and good results don’t change that. The affection and respect we have for each other doesn’t depend on results.

“Of course, if I were fighting for a world championship, that would be very different. I’m sure the dynamic would change completely.

“But that’s not the case at the moment. I’m learning, and both Max and Fernando have been helping me a lot lately.

“But for sure, now that I’m more often fighting for points, their perception shifts a little. Especially with Fernando, since we’re often battling for the same positions.

“And for me, it’s great being able to race him. He’s my manager, a true legend of Formula 1, and competing against him is always special.”

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Gabriel Bortoleto has ‘great expectations’ of Audi as they enter F1 next season

Bortoleto signed a multi-year deal with Sauber ahead of the current campaign in a deal which is expected to last until the end of the 2026 season.

The contract was one of the more exciting deals to take place in the F1 off-season, with Audi backing the youngster ahead of their introduction to the grid in time for F1’s 2026 regulations.

Continuing in his interview with Stock Car Brasil, Bortoleto highlighted the confidence he has in the team to continue their impressive development into future seasons, saying, “We’ve already restructured the team in a very aggressive way.

“A lot of new people are coming in: Jonathan, for example, Mattia, who joined last year, and even more people are joining now or soon, though some aren’t public yet.

“I’m very confident in what the team is doing, and honestly, I have great expectations for the future.

“I know Audi will become a big team in Formula 1. It’s just a matter of time and hard work. You can already see it: with this new management, how we started the year compared to where we are now — it’s not normal to see that kind of progress in just half a season in Formula 1.”

Bortoleto highlighted Jonathan Wheatley’s ‘mentality’ upon his arrival at the team after leaving Red Bull. The current team principal has been crucial in changing the culture of the team into something that could challenge for a title in the future.