Bortoleto completes two-day TPC test running in Imola

F1 Grand Prix, GP Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos

Ahead of his debut season at the pinnacle of motorsport, reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto has completed a two-day testing with Sauber at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Audi and Sauber Motorsport AG confirmed ahead of the final leg of the F1 season that Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto would complete the team’s 2025 F1 pairing alongside Nico Hülkenberg.

Hailing from São Paulo, Bortoleto began his racing career at the age of six in karting and, by twelve, he had moved to Europe with his family to pursue his Formula One dream.

He made a strong impression upon graduating to FIA Formula 3 in 2023 by dominating his debut season and winning the Championship, before moving to the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

The Brazilian clinched the F2 title in the final race of the season, joining an illustrious club of drivers who have secured back-to-back rookie titles in F3 and F2. The first driver to achieve that feat was Ferrari racer Charles Leclerc, whose achievement was repeated by George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

Bortoleto has recently completed a two-day test outing with Sauber at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola to prepare himself for his debut season.

The Hinwil-based outfit used the opportunity provided by the rule that is referred to as Testing of Previous Cars. Although the weather conditions were less favourable, the Brazilian was still delighted to gain some vital mileages ahead of the collective three-day pre-season test that is set to take place in Bahrain.

Following his test outing in Imola, Bortoleto noted: “Today’s done here in Imola. Very positive. [It is] very nice to be back in the car after almost two months.

"[I am] quite happy with out progress in these two days. [I was] basically all wet sessions, but very good. Thanks to the whole team for making this TPC happen," said the Brazilian.