When Gabriel Bortoleto takes to the grid at the São Paulo Grand Prix at Autódromo José Carlos Pace, he will be doing more than racing. He’ll be stepping into a moment that carries personal meaning, national expectation and a long tradition of Brazilian Formula 1 heroes. Born in the São Paulo region, Bortoleto returns to his home ground as an F1 driver for the first time. The lead-up has been filled with hope, responsibility and reflection on how he’s grown in his rookie season.
In an interview with F1 he spoke about his dream becoming a reality, learning the ropes in F1, how he’s focussed on his performance, what the atmosphere will be like and more ahead of the Brazil GP
A Dream Realised
Growing up in São Paulo, Bortoleto dreamed of racing at Interlagos. He said it “almost feels unreal” to do it as a Formula 1 driver. He added:
“All the work my family and I put in over the years has paid off, and I can’t wait to finally head out on track in front of my people.”
This race marks the first time a Brazilian driver has competed at home in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2017. The significance is clear: this weekend isn’t just another round. For Bortoleto, it’s a personal milestone.
Focus Amid the Spotlight
The home crowd brings excitement, but also extra pressure. Bortoleto acknowledges the increased demands but insists his focus remains unchanged. He said:
“The priority and the focus is always the racing side of it … at the same time everyone supports me … but the most important [thing] is the racing side of it.”
His team principal at Kick Sauber F1 Team, Jonathan Wheatley, echoed this, warning that the Brazilian fans are “extraordinary” and that this kind of home run could offer “opportunities” thanks to the unpredictable weekend weather.
Learning the Ropes in F1
Bortoleto’s rookie season has already offered many teachings. He reflected on how the transition to F1 required learning far more than just driving. He said:
“The amount of media commitments we have in Formula 1 … it’s unreal, it’s so many things!”
He described how he had to adapt: arriving at a weekend and managing not only practice, qualifying and race, but also simulators, briefings, sponsor obligations and personal energy levels.
He credits his comfort level improving as the season has gone on:
“I feel like I’m much more comfortable now going into the weekends … arriving on Sunday – still quite high and able to perform the best way I want …”
He also pointed to his time in previous series:
“I’ve been fighting for titles for two years in a row … the biggest pressure you can feel … I think that pressure I felt in F2 and F3 prepared me for my season.”
Inspiration and Ambition
Bortoleto draws inspiration from past greats and from the team around him. He watches how drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso managed their careers — both on track and off. He explained:
“I’ve learnt from Fernando and Max, watching them and how they behave off track … I think there’s always work to do for me … but I do a bit less than what I was doing at the beginning of the season … but with more quality…”
His ambition is clear:
“Hopefully one day I can achieve a little bit of what Senna did for the sport and for Brazil and everyone.”
The Scene in Brazil
At Interlagos the atmosphere is unique. The crowd, the track history and the home driver combine to create something special. Bortoleto described:
“It will be insane man, Brazilian people are for me the best … I really want to go race in Brazil … be with the fans and everyone, definitely.”
He also accepts the weight of expectation:
“They are fans … they want to see me winning and doing well … I’m going to give my best and I will deliver the job I can deliver that weekend.”
What to Watch for This Weekend
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How Bortoleto handles the sprint-weekend format. With less practice, the first outings at Interlagos will be crucial.
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His ability to stay focused amid additional media, fan events and spotlight.
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Whether the unpredictable weather (rain always a factor at Interlagos) presents an opportunity for a standout performance.
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How he uses his momentum from strong recent results to perform at home.
Final Thoughts
Gabriel Bortoleto arrives at his home Grand Prix not simply as a rookie driver but as a figure with deep personal and national significance. His year of learning, his ambition and his connection to Brazil all converge in this weekend’s race. Whether he fights for a points finish or simply holds his own under the spotlight, this will be a defining weekend in his career.
The stands will be full of expectant fans, and Interlagos will provide no lack of drama. For Bortoleto the goal is clear: deliver the race, honour his home country and show the world a new chapter in Brazilian Formula 1 is starting.
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