Gabriel Bortoleto’s Performance in F1
Despite his promising start, Gabriel Bortoleto has yet to score any points in the current Formula 1 season. He shares this disappointing record with only two other drivers, Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, neither of whom has completed a full season.
Hulkenberg’s Performance
From a spectator’s viewpoint, Bortoleto’s teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, appears to be performing better, having amassed 20 points. Bortoleto himself acknowledges Hulkenberg’s skills, stating, “He’s extracting more from the car than he should be, and I genuinely admire him.”
Sauber’s Development Plans
While some teams might consider changing drivers due to poor points performance, Sauber is committed to improvement. The team is strategically preparing for a transition to Audi’s factory team next season, focusing on addressing and resolving their issues steadily.
Technical Challenges
Hulkenberg’s initial points came at the Australian season opener, mainly due to timely tire changes. However, it quickly became obvious that the C45 was experiencing airflow issues when racing in dirty air. Bortoleto has also faced challenges due to loss of downforce when driving close to other cars, which hinders overtaking possibilities.
Upgrades and Improvements
Instead of blaming individual performances, Sauber opted to enhance their car’s drivability, offering a significant upgrade in the Spanish GP that included a new floor, front wing, and adjustments around the rear of the car. Their aim was to enhance the driving experience rather than purely increasing downforce.
Bortoleto’s Learning Curve
Despite demonstrating speed in qualifying, particularly against Hulkenberg, Bortoleto has struggled with race-day execution. Instances such as spins in wet conditions and misjudged safety car restarts have highlighted a need for greater experience. Bortoleto remains keen to learn, taking steps to engage with team leadership for improvement.
Future Outlook for Bortoleto
Calm and supportive leadership at Sauber means Bortoleto will receive the necessary time to adapt and grow. He recognizes Hulkenberg’s ability to optimize race situations, saying, “I’m learning from him, and I hope to start scoring points for the team soon.”
