By rikififi90 
Young Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto took a significant step in his promising Formula 1 career by participating in Sauber’s tests at the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. At 20 years old, Bortoleto, the reigning Formula 2 champion, shared the track with renowned and emerging names such as Nico Hülkenberg, his new teammate, and Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. The event was marked by adverse weather conditions, testing the drivers’ skills and resilience.
The tests began under dense fog covering the circuit, with low temperatures around 5°C and a wet track, making the challenge even greater. Under the watchful eyes of Mattia Binotto, Audi’s project manager, Bortoleto drove the Sauber C42 in tricky conditions, alternating moments of caution and boldness. The Brazilian showed he is ready to meet the expectations surrounding his debut in the most prestigious category of motorsport.
Beyond the weather challenges, the presence of Nico Hülkenberg added a critical strategic element for Sauber. The veteran German helped the team optimize start procedures and provided valuable insights on the car’s behavior in various situations, further enriching Bortoleto’s experience.
Primeiras imagens do teste de Gabriel Bortoleto com a Sauber Audi em Imola. pic.twitter.com/MWNHnBe8xV
— Arthur (@Artzspfc) January 22, 2025
Challenging weather and its impact on the tests
The morning at Imola was characterized by conditions that made the first outings to the track difficult. Persistent fog and intense cold forced drivers to opt for extreme wet tires to ensure grip on the circuit. Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls was the first to tackle the layout, completing seven initial laps with two cooldown intervals. Showing consistency and control, Hadjar gradually improved his times, standing out as one of the day’s most promising drivers.
Gabriel Bortoleto waited for better weather conditions to make his first outing. Around 10:45 AM, he completed an installation lap before returning to the pits as rain intensified. Despite the adverse weather, the Brazilian seized the opportunity to practice under conditions similar to those often faced by Ayrton Senna, his idol. This aspect brought an emotional charge to the moment, reinforcing the symbolism of his debut on the Italian track.
Bortoleto’s evolution throughout the day
After the lunch break, Bortoleto returned to the track for more intense practice. In the afternoon session, he carried out start simulations and fine-tuned the car’s setup in low-grip conditions. Although he faced challenges, such as a spin exiting Rivazza corner, the Brazilian demonstrated impressive skill by regaining control without major incidents. In total, Bortoleto completed 14 laps before handing over the wheel to Hülkenberg, who ended the day with seven simulated starts.
Hülkenberg’s contribution and Sauber’s strategies
Nico Hülkenberg, with his vast Formula 1 experience, brought essential balance to the team during the tests. The German’s presence allowed Sauber to focus on two crucial aspects: the car’s technical development and Gabriel Bortoleto’s preparation for the challenges of the 2025 season. Hülkenberg focused his efforts on training start procedures and adjusting the car’s behavior under various configurations, providing detailed feedback to the technical team.
Imola’s day in numbers
- Completed laps: Isack Hadjar led with 82 laps, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto with 14, and Nico Hülkenberg with 7.
- Weather conditions: Temperatures ranged between 5°C and 7°C, with fog and rain during the morning.
- Lap times: Hadjar achieved his best time at 1m34s after several adaptation laps.
The symbolism of Imola for young talents
Imola carries an undeniable historical legacy for Formula 1, hosting iconic moments and memorable tragedies. For Gabriel Bortoleto, competing on this emblematic circuit represented not only a technical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with the roots of the sport. Sauber’s choice of the circuit highlights the importance of introducing young talents in environments that demand maximum concentration and skill.
Highlights from Isack Hadjar’s performance
Isack Hadjar was one of the standout performers of the day, impressing with both his consistency and ability to adapt to adverse conditions. The Frenchman, who completed a total of 82 laps, displayed maturity by exploring the car’s limits without making significant errors. His performance drew attention from Racing Bulls, who view him as a strong candidate for promotion to Formula 1 in future seasons.
The impact of rain on testing
Wet conditions added extra challenges for drivers but also offered valuable learning opportunities. Reduced grip forced both Bortoleto and Hadjar to develop more precise car control, which could be crucial in future races on similar tracks. Sauber used the scenario to train different start strategies, simulating real situations that may occur during the season.
Facts about Imola and its relevance
- Imola was inaugurated in 1953 and became part of the Formula 1 calendar in 1980.
- The track is known for its technical corners, such as Tamburello and Rivazza, which demand high precision from drivers.
- Ayrton Senna secured memorable victories at Imola, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest names in motorsport history.
Sauber’s future with Audi
The partnership between Sauber and Audi, set to officially begin in 2026, is already influencing the team’s strategic decisions. Choosing Gabriel Bortoleto as a driver for the 2025 and 2026 seasons reflects the team’s commitment to investing in promising talents. Under Mattia Binotto’s supervision, Sauber is preparing for a transition that promises to boost its competitiveness on the grid.
Comparing emerging talents
The performances of Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar during the Imola tests underscore the importance of betting on young talent. Both showed maturity and technical skill, but with different approaches: while Hadjar stood out for his consistency, Bortoleto impressed with his adaptability and recovery in difficult situations. This diversity of profiles reflects Formula 1’s ongoing evolution to attract a new generation of fans and competitors.
Expectations for the 2025 season
With a lineup balancing youth and experience, Sauber is well-positioned to face the challenges of 2025. Gabriel Bortoleto, in his debut season, will have the chance to learn from Nico Hülkenberg, whose expertise will be vital for the car’s development and guiding the young driver. The results from the Imola tests provide a solid foundation for final adjustments ahead of the season’s start.
Young Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto took a significant step in his promising Formula 1 career by participating in Sauber’s tests at the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. At 20 years old, Bortoleto, the reigning Formula 2 champion, shared the track with renowned and emerging names such as Nico Hülkenberg, his new teammate, and Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. The event was marked by adverse weather conditions, testing the drivers’ skills and resilience.
The tests began under dense fog covering the circuit, with low temperatures around 5°C and a wet track, making the challenge even greater. Under the watchful eyes of Mattia Binotto, Audi’s project manager, Bortoleto drove the Sauber C42 in tricky conditions, alternating moments of caution and boldness. The Brazilian showed he is ready to meet the expectations surrounding his debut in the most prestigious category of motorsport.
Beyond the weather challenges, the presence of Nico Hülkenberg added a critical strategic element for Sauber. The veteran German helped the team optimize start procedures and provided valuable insights on the car’s behavior in various situations, further enriching Bortoleto’s experience.
Primeiras imagens do teste de Gabriel Bortoleto com a Sauber Audi em Imola. pic.twitter.com/MWNHnBe8xV
— Arthur (@Artzspfc) January 22, 2025
Challenging weather and its impact on the tests
The morning at Imola was characterized by conditions that made the first outings to the track difficult. Persistent fog and intense cold forced drivers to opt for extreme wet tires to ensure grip on the circuit. Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls was the first to tackle the layout, completing seven initial laps with two cooldown intervals. Showing consistency and control, Hadjar gradually improved his times, standing out as one of the day’s most promising drivers.
Gabriel Bortoleto waited for better weather conditions to make his first outing. Around 10:45 AM, he completed an installation lap before returning to the pits as rain intensified. Despite the adverse weather, the Brazilian seized the opportunity to practice under conditions similar to those often faced by Ayrton Senna, his idol. This aspect brought an emotional charge to the moment, reinforcing the symbolism of his debut on the Italian track.
Bortoleto’s evolution throughout the day
After the lunch break, Bortoleto returned to the track for more intense practice. In the afternoon session, he carried out start simulations and fine-tuned the car’s setup in low-grip conditions. Although he faced challenges, such as a spin exiting Rivazza corner, the Brazilian demonstrated impressive skill by regaining control without major incidents. In total, Bortoleto completed 14 laps before handing over the wheel to Hülkenberg, who ended the day with seven simulated starts.
Hülkenberg’s contribution and Sauber’s strategies
Nico Hülkenberg, with his vast Formula 1 experience, brought essential balance to the team during the tests. The German’s presence allowed Sauber to focus on two crucial aspects: the car’s technical development and Gabriel Bortoleto’s preparation for the challenges of the 2025 season. Hülkenberg focused his efforts on training start procedures and adjusting the car’s behavior under various configurations, providing detailed feedback to the technical team.
Imola’s day in numbers
- Completed laps: Isack Hadjar led with 82 laps, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto with 14, and Nico Hülkenberg with 7.
- Weather conditions: Temperatures ranged between 5°C and 7°C, with fog and rain during the morning.
- Lap times: Hadjar achieved his best time at 1m34s after several adaptation laps.
The symbolism of Imola for young talents
Imola carries an undeniable historical legacy for Formula 1, hosting iconic moments and memorable tragedies. For Gabriel Bortoleto, competing on this emblematic circuit represented not only a technical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with the roots of the sport. Sauber’s choice of the circuit highlights the importance of introducing young talents in environments that demand maximum concentration and skill.
Highlights from Isack Hadjar’s performance
Isack Hadjar was one of the standout performers of the day, impressing with both his consistency and ability to adapt to adverse conditions. The Frenchman, who completed a total of 82 laps, displayed maturity by exploring the car’s limits without making significant errors. His performance drew attention from Racing Bulls, who view him as a strong candidate for promotion to Formula 1 in future seasons.
The impact of rain on testing
Wet conditions added extra challenges for drivers but also offered valuable learning opportunities. Reduced grip forced both Bortoleto and Hadjar to develop more precise car control, which could be crucial in future races on similar tracks. Sauber used the scenario to train different start strategies, simulating real situations that may occur during the season.
Facts about Imola and its relevance
- Imola was inaugurated in 1953 and became part of the Formula 1 calendar in 1980.
- The track is known for its technical corners, such as Tamburello and Rivazza, which demand high precision from drivers.
- Ayrton Senna secured memorable victories at Imola, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest names in motorsport history.
Sauber’s future with Audi
The partnership between Sauber and Audi, set to officially begin in 2026, is already influencing the team’s strategic decisions. Choosing Gabriel Bortoleto as a driver for the 2025 and 2026 seasons reflects the team’s commitment to investing in promising talents. Under Mattia Binotto’s supervision, Sauber is preparing for a transition that promises to boost its competitiveness on the grid.
Comparing emerging talents
The performances of Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar during the Imola tests underscore the importance of betting on young talent. Both showed maturity and technical skill, but with different approaches: while Hadjar stood out for his consistency, Bortoleto impressed with his adaptability and recovery in difficult situations. This diversity of profiles reflects Formula 1’s ongoing evolution to attract a new generation of fans and competitors.
Expectations for the 2025 season
With a lineup balancing youth and experience, Sauber is well-positioned to face the challenges of 2025. Gabriel Bortoleto, in his debut season, will have the chance to learn from Nico Hülkenberg, whose expertise will be vital for the car’s development and guiding the young driver. The results from the Imola tests provide a solid foundation for final adjustments ahead of the season’s start.
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