Nico Hulkenberg reveals what Gabriel Bortoleto does behind the scenes that makes him ‘extremely fast’

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Despite not scoring any points in the opening 10 rounds of the season, Gabriel Bortoleto has been one of the stars of the 2025 F1 rookie class.

In the most recent six rounds, the Brazilian driver has brought home points on four occasions.

In the same amount of time, experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg has finished in the top 10 on just two occasions, with the second one of those marking his maiden podium in F1.

The Swiss constructor has brought a swathe of upgrades to aid Bortoleto in his rookie season. The Sauber drivers have seen their confidence boosted from the moment the first new part was fitted to the C45.

However, things are changing at the end of the season for the team as they’re set to rebrand to Audi for the 2026 season.

Engineers at the German car manufacturer are currently in the midst of developing their very first Formula 1 engine in line with the 2026 F1 regulations.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height

Nico Hulkenberg believes Gabriel Bortoleto has ‘all the attributes’ to succeed in F1

In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Blick, Hulkenberg was asked about his thoughts on his current teammate at Sauber, with whom he will be sharing a garage until the end of the 2026 season.

“Very good. Strong development. For someone still in his first year as a rookie, the guy is extremely good,” Hulkenberg replied.

“He learns very quickly, is attentive, an extremely fast driver, makes few mistakes, and is very committed and passionate.

“He has all the attributes to go far in Formula 1. If he keeps it up, I believe he has a very successful career ahead of him.”

The culture that team principal Jonathan Wheatley has brought to Sauber since his arrival at the Hinwil headquarters is one that has allowed the professional relationship of Bortoleto and Hulkenberg to thrive.

The German driver was also asked if he thinks the partnership between himself and his rookie teammate works well together, to which he responded, “Yes, absolutely.

“Besides being a good racer and a really fast guy, Gabriel is also a genuinely nice person. Very well-mannered, very grounded, super friendly.”

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

Gabriel Bortoleto has held his own against the experienced Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber

After winning the 2024 Formula 2 championship ahead of fellow F1 rookie Isack Hadjar, Bortoleto signed a multi-year deal with Sauber, which would see him at the wheel of Audi’s very first F1 car in 2026.

Max Verstappen also played a part in Bortoleto’s F1 drive, and the Brazilian driver has repaid the four-time world champion’s faith in him by producing some stellar drives throughout the season to cement his stature as an F1 driver.

Bortoleto has regularly driven his current Sauber car to the very limit, with the teammate head-to-head with Hulkenberg painting a very close picture between the two drivers.

With over a decade more experience than his counterpart, Hulkenberg only has a slight edge in the Grand Prix results category, with Bortoleto showing that he may have more talent over a single lap in qualifying.

The German driver is clear in terms of points in 2025, owing to his podium at Silverstone. Bortoleto was motivated by Hulkenberg’s feat at the British GP in July, and hopes to replicate it sooner rather than later.