Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto Biography

Gabriel Lourenzo Bortoleto Oliveira is a prominent Brazilian racing driver known for his rapid rise in the motorsport world, culminating in his debut in Formula 1 with the Sauber team in the 2025 season. He earned fame as the reigning FIA Formula 2 champion and became the first full-time Brazilian Formula 1 driver since Felipe Massa's retirement in 2017. Bortoleto's impressive progression through various junior formulae and championships, along with his association with legendary driver Fernando Alonso, have marked him as a major upcoming talent in the sport.

Childhood

Gabriel Bortoleto was born on October 14, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in the city of Osasco. From an early age, he was immersed in motorsport, starting competitive kart racing at the tender age of seven. Encouraged and supported by his family, including his father Lincoln Oliveira, a businessman involved in Brazilian motor racing, Bortoleto quickly began winning multiple local and national karting championships. His karting success paved the way for his move to Europe and further international competitions, inspired by his hero Ayrton Senna.

Education

Bortoleto’s formal education in racing took shape through extensive training and competition in karting before transitioning into formula cars. His racing education advanced significantly when, at just 15 years old, he debuted in the highly competitive Italian F4 Championship in 2020, representing the KTF Sports Brazilian academy and using the technical structure of the Prema Power Team. He then progressed through the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), gaining valuable experience and podium finishes. His educational journey continued as a protégé within Fernando Alonso’s A14 management company and the McLaren Driver Development Programme, which helped refine his skills ahead of his ultimate step to Formula 1.

Career

Gabriel Bortoleto's professional racing career is marked by consistent success and rapid advancement. After his debut in Italian F4 in 2020, he moved up to Formula Regional European Championship, competing for prominent teams like R-Ace GP and earning multiple wins and podiums. In 2023, Bortoleto signed with Trident for the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he dominated as a rookie, securing the title on his first attempt. Building on this momentum, he progressed to Formula 2 in 2024 with Invicta Racing (formerly Virtuosi), where he claimed the championship title in his rookie year. Notably, he became the first driver in either Formula 2 or Formula 1 history to win a feature race—the Monza event—from last place on the grid. His achievements earned him a multi-year contract with Sauber to compete in Formula 1 beginning in 2025, where he races alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

Family Life

Details about Gabriel Bortoleto's personal and family life beyond his father Lincoln Oliveira remain relatively private. Publicly known is that his family has provided significant moral and financial support throughout his racing career. He often shares that having his family and close supporters around during key moments, such as signing his first Formula 1 contract, has been crucial to his focus and success. As of now, there is no public information about children or marital status.

Achievements

Bortoleto's career is highlighted by several remarkable achievements: multiple national karting titles in Brazil, podium finishes in European karting championships, and major formula racing successes. He won the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship as a rookie and followed that by clinching the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship also in his first season. His historic victory in the 2024 Monza Formula 2 feature race from last on the grid stands out as an unprecedented racing feat. Additionally, his upgrade to Formula 1 with Sauber for 2025 marks a significant milestone, positioning him among Brazil's most promising Formula 1 talents since Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa.

Controversies

Gabriel Bortoleto has maintained a clean professional image throughout his career, with no publicly known controversies or scandals. His reputation is built on his sporting achievements and professional conduct on and off the track, earning respect within the racing community and from fans worldwide.

Gabriel Bortoleto Summary

Gabriel Bortoleto is a Brazilian racing driver whose promising career has seen a swift rise through karting, Formula 4, Formula Regional, Formula 3, and Formula 2, culminating in his 2025 Formula 1 debut with Sauber. Born in São Paulo and supported by a family deeply connected to motorsport, Bortoleto has showcased talent, determination, and resilience. As a protégé of Fernando Alonso and a former McLaren development driver, his journey embodies the next generation of Brazilian racing excellence. With his impressive rookie championships and groundbreaking on-track performances, he aims to honor Brazil’s rich motorsport legacy and build a lasting legacy in Formula 1.