Bortoleto turns to Binotto and Verstappen for guidance on his F1 career

Gabriel Bortoleto says he often asks Mattia Binotto for help with his current situation in Formula 1, and also turns to Max Verstappen for advice.

The 2023 Formula 3 and 2024 Formula 2 champion says moving from winning in the junior categories to targeting points in F1 has been difficult. Binotto leads Audi’s F1 project and has experienced Ferrari’s successful years from within the team. Bortoleto says that experience helps Binotto understand what he is going through. He describes Binotto as a mentor and friend as well as a boss, and says he can approach him about personal matters.

Verstappen is a friend with whom Bortoleto shares an interest in sim racing. Their conversations, Bortoleto says, cover his development and what he wants from Audi; he also asks how Red Bull worked before Verstappen won his first world championship.

Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar, former junior rivals from Bortoleto’s generation, have already celebrated their first F1 podiums. Bortoleto says he did well against them in the junior categories, but considers them closer to a world championship now; he also says the competitive picture could change within a year.

Bortoleto says Audi’s project keeps him motivated: he describes the team as improving each year with a clear long-term plan. He expects it eventually to provide a winning car and engine, and says he will need to be ready. Asked where he hopes to be in five years, he replied: “Hopefully winning world championships, obviously with Audi.”