How Gabriel Bortoleto totally revived the championship

Arriving at Monza with more than 30 points behind Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto has come back to within 11 points of the Tricolore after an incredible set of circumstances. The race for the title is completely relaunched with three rounds to go.

Published on 05/09/2024 à 12:03

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How Gabriel Bortoleto totally revived the championship

On paper, Isack Hadjar (Campos) had the opportunity to strike a big blow again. By showing up at Monza still in the leader's shoes and with a 36-point lead over Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta), the Tricolore could take another step towards his title dreams. His position was such that he could afford a "less good blow" on Italian soil while maintaining a nice cushion of lead over his runner-up.

The Brazilian's mistake on Friday and his last place for the two races of the weekend then seemed like a godsend for the protégé of Red Bull, second in qualifying, less than a tenth behind the pole position of Zane Maloney (Rodin Motorsport). If his opponent's comeback was conceivable given the characteristics of the Monza circuit and his race pace, Isack Hadjar was in a good position to further distance himself from the Auriverde. But on the track, the story was very different.

Glitches, Glitches for Hadjar

It quickly became clear that Gabriel Bortoleto was going to fight for points, and big points, as illustrated by his climb to 8th place in the Sprint Race, a gain of 14 positions in 21 laps! Proof that he was not lacking in pace at all. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar had problems, once again, which prevented him from moving forward, finishing the race behind his rival.

« A copy-paste of the Sprint in Austria, regretted-he. A power (engine) limited during part of the race »

If he expected to get back on track in the Main Race taking advantage of his 2nd place on the grid, Isack Hadjar was unable to do anything. Worse still, he saw all the events play against him. A prolonged pit stop, an unleashed Gabriel Bortoleto (15th after the first lap) and above all a Safety Car that could not have been more perfect for the Brazilian who was able to make his pit stop in complete serenity to virtually come out in the lead. After about ten laps, everything was practically over and not in favor of the Parisian, whose luck had smiled on him in recent rounds after a start to the season to forget.

« The most important thing is not how you start, but how you finish., " slipped the protégé of McLaren on the radio after his victory while keeping his feet on the ground as he had just made history by becoming the first driver to win from first place. My confidence does not change after this victory, he then moderated. What happened in qualifying is entirely my responsibility. For the rest, there is nothing really new for me. It makes me even happier to be closer to the title now, to fight even closer. »

And how. In the space of a weekend, Gabriel Bortoleto has relaunched everything. From a distant pursuer, he has become a very threatening hunter. Now, he is only 10,5 behind Isack Hadjar and above all the momentum in his favor. Ideal before tackling a meeting like the one in Baku in a few days (September 13-15). This final sprint promises to be a success!