Bortoleto determined to prove Marko wrong after controversial ‘B driver’ comment
Melbourne, Australia - As the 2025 Formula 1 season revs up, eyes are on Sauber’s rookie sensation Gabriel Bortoleto, who is determined to challenge a recent critique from Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko. The 20-year-old Brazilian prodigy, fresh from clinching back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, has been categorized as a “B driver” by Marko, sparking a passionate response.
Marko’s comments came during an interview on Servus TV, where he assessed the incoming wave of F1 athletes. Despite Bortoleto's impressive track record in the junior series, Marko suggested the Sauber newcomer still had a lot to prove at the pinnacle of motorsport.
In anticipation of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, Bortoleto addressed the remarks with a blend of respect and resolve. “I think Helmut is a guy who’s been in F1 for a very long time,” Bortoleto noted. “He’s put a lot of talented drivers in F1, but he’s also had drivers who haven’t succeeded.”
Poised for his inaugural race in F1, Bortoleto maintained an optimistic and grounded outlook. “I have respect for him and what he’s achieved with drivers like Max Verstappen, one of the sport’s greatest,” he admitted. “Everyone can have opinions; it’s a free world. But I believe I’ve demonstrated my capability by winning F3 and F2 as a rookie.”
With a clear focus on converting criticism into performance, Bortoleto continued, “I’m going to prove him wrong with time. The track will tell its own story and, hopefully, he will see that his opinion wasn’t right.”
Bortoleto is not alone in his quest. Supported by his manager, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, the rookie finds reinforcement from a mentoring figure. Alonso, reflecting on Marko’s comments, shared his thoughts during media engagements. “Helmut has to defend his drivers,” Alonso stated. “But the facts stand stronger than words. Gabriel’s F1 entry after winning both F3 and F2 as a rookie speaks volumes.”
The veteran Spaniard, confident in Bortoleto and fellow Red Bull-backed talent Isack Hadjar, added, “I hope both Gabriel and Isack have lengthy, successful careers. Gabriel has all the potential; only time will tell.”
As Bortoleto prepares to debut on one of the sport’s grandest stages, the narrative signals a heartening chapter for fans and commentators alike. Bortoleto's journey from F3 to F1, under the tutelage of Alonso, is undeniably one of anticipation as the world watches to see whether he can indeed prove the doubters wrong.
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