Fernando Alonso has mentored F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto through his junior career but the duo are now racing each other, but the Spaniard continues to offer support
Fernando Alonso has continued to show his support for Gabriel Bortoleto as he continues to mentor the Brazilian. Since 2023, Bortoleto has been a part of Alonso’s A14 driver management stable, but is now racing the Spaniard.
Bortoleto is among several rookies on the grid this year having got the call-up from Kick Sauber. Despite racing against each other Alonso has still been willing to share his experiences and his knowledge with the man who is 23 years his junior.
Motorsport.com report that the pair were deep in conversation on one of the walkways over the Shanghai paddock during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend with Alonso treating the 20-year-old as one of his apprentices, rather than a direct rival despite them backing for points.
Since 2023 Bortoleto has been a part of Alonso’s A14 driver management stable. It is run by Albert Resclosa Coll and Alberto Fernandez Albilares along with the double world champion.
Bortoleto has underlined the support he’s received early in his F1 career and recently said: “He’s been very good. He’s been able to teach me a lot of these things – how to maximise my performance on track by managing my efforts outside of it. Things like how to handle the [early GP weekend] days here, Thursdays and Fridays, to be focused on what really matters during the weekend. It’s been very nice so far.
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“I’ve watched him my whole life racing, and now racing against him in Formula 1, with him also being my manager, it’s going to be very nice. A good opportunity.”
Bortoleto retired in the season opener in Australia before finishing 14th in China and 19th at the Japanese Grand Prix. Alonso initially joked at last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix that the Brazilian was under instruction to let him by if the situation arose, but insists he’s happy to share best practice with the rookie.
He said: “I think there are clear rules that I stay in front! That’s my understanding! No, jokes aside, it’s great to see Gabriel’s career so far. For us at A14, we feel extremely proud of the relationship. This year is going to be the first year he’s not winning (given that Bortoleto won the 2023 Formula 3 and 2024 Formula 2 championships as a rookie in each category), so we have to maybe accept that.
“But it’s part of his learning curve. For me, it’s a bit different. All the advice and insights I’ve given him over the past two years – it’s a bit strange now. Because I’m giving him the same, trying to help him as much as I can with experience of circuits, preparation, how to approach race weekends, marketing activities, the way to spend energy, save energy – all those kinds of things [now in F1 with me].
“I don’t feel like I’m giving away something magic and someone will benefit. I’m just trying to apply common sense and help him perform when he puts the helmet on, which is the most important part of Formula 1. I think it’s working fine and will continue to do so.”