Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto is set to take on the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix on May 4, 2025, as part of the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber lineup. This marks not just another Grand Prix appearance, but a historic moment for Brazilian motorsport: Bortoleto is the first Brazilian to hold a full-time seat in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa’s departure in 2017.
A Rising Star from Brazil
At just 20 years old, Bortoleto has already carved out a name for himself as one of the most promising new faces in Formula 1. Born in Osasco, São Paulo, and raised in a family deeply rooted in motorsports, Gabriel began karting at age six. By 12, he had moved to Europe to pursue a professional racing career—an ambitious leap that is now paying off on the global stage.
A Record-Breaking Climb
Bortoleto’s journey through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. After strong performances in Italian Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European Championship, he stunned the racing world by winning back-to-back championships in FIA Formula 3 (2023) and FIA Formula 2 (2024)—a rare feat only a handful of current F1 stars have achieved.
His consistent performance and racecraft didn’t go unnoticed. Managed by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso through A14 Management, Bortoleto was signed by Sauber for the 2025 season, partnering with veteran Nico Hülkenberg in what’s seen as a strategic move for the team’s transition to become the Audi factory team in 2026.
Eyes on the Future
Though still adapting to the elite level of Formula 1—with a best finish of 14th place in his first five races—Bortoleto is widely considered the breakout driver of the season, having already earned the “Revelation of the Year” title for two consecutive years by Brazilian media outlet GRANDE PRÊMIO. It’s a distinction previously shared only by Charles Leclerc.
For international F1 fans, Gabriel Bortoleto is more than just Brazil’s long-awaited return to the grid—he’s a symbol of the sport’s global evolution and a talent worth following closely. With the swagger of a young Ayrton Senna and the pedigree of champions like Leclerc and Russell, Bortoleto represents the next generation of F1 excellence.
As he prepares to race in Miami, a city with deep ties to Latin American culture, Bortoleto isn’t just driving for points—he’s driving for Brazil’s legacy in Formula 1. And the world is watching.
