Portrait – Gabriel Bortoleto, a late bloomer… but who arrives at the right time

Ayrton Senna is still waiting for his successor. If Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa were able to go and get victories in Formula 1 (11 each), none have been able to bring the title back to Brazil since Paulista in 1991. To continue dreaming, the Auriverdes offered honorary citizenship to Lewis Hamilton, which they now celebrate as one of their own. The title of champion of F2 acquired by Felipe Drugovich in 2022 had suggested the return of a Canarinho driver to the premier category. However, the reserve Aston Martin has still not had his chance, guilty of having waited three years before being crowned in the antechamber. Now, the hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of the tall (184 cm) and rangy Gabriel Bortoleto, champion of F3 2023 and new leader of F2 since the meeting in Baku (Azerbaijan), on September 15. And there is urgency, since the neighboring country, Argentina, is once again vibrating to the rhythm of the exploits of the young Franco Colapinto at Williams since the start of the school year!

Originally from São Paulo and in love with his country, "Gabi" also has Italian roots, which are immediately apparent when his name is pronounced with the right intonation. It is also on the Milan side that Gabriel has taken up residence since his arrival in Europe at the age of 11, he who has mainly driven in the kart team transalpine CRG. Not drivers but keen on motorsport, his parents Bortoleto did not hesitate to have their younger brother follow in the footsteps of their elder Enzo, who raced in his home country without having the same success. "The first time I raced karting, it was October 2011, remembers Gabriel. I remember it was a very small blue baby kart and my brother was there. It all started because I saw him driving. I loved it right away and after that