Bortoleto counters Marko: I am not a B-pilot, but a pioneer!

Bortoleto counters Marko: I am not a B-pilot, but a pioneer!

Melbourne, Australien - The 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto is about to be his first Formula 1 race and does not be intimidated by critics. The Brazilian racing driver, who celebrated impressive success in Formula 3 and 2, had to criticize Dr. Feel Helmut Marko, the famous motorsport consultant from Red Bull. Marko described him as a "B-Pilot", which Bortoleto called on the scene. According to Marko, the talented rookie lacks the necessary pace to assert himself among the best drivers in Formula 1. Despite his two victories in the lower classes, Marko Bortoleto obviously sees less promising.

"Helmut brought many talented drivers into Formula 1, but he probably got more drivers who ultimately failed," Bortoleto countered his critics and emphasized that he would now do everything he could to teach Marko. He respects Marko for his success, especially with drivers like Max Verstappen, but his opinion about his skills does not bother him: "Everyone can have their opinion, we live in a free world," said the young Brazilian. He is determined to refute the technical reviews on the racing course. It should be emphasized that despite his two victories, he won both racing series in his rookie season, which clearly shows that he deserves it in Formula 1.

a strong team behind you

Bortoleto receives backing of prominent names. Fernando Alonso, double world champion, and Bortoleto have a close work relationship, with Alonso Bortoleto has been supporting for several years. "He was the best rookie of this new generation," Alonso praises the attitude and performance of the young driver and adds that it is important not to forget the achievements of recent years. In view of the upcoming challenges in the 2025 season, which starts with the first race in Australia on March 14, Bortoleto is optimistic and speaks that he has the opportunity to prove on the route that he has the skills of a Formula 1 driver and hopes for a successful start of the season. Despite the critical voices, he focuses on the essentials: the races and the results that ultimately count.