Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old racing prodigy, is set to make history as the first Brazilian full-time Formula 1 driver since Felipe Massa in 2017. Representing Sauber in the 2025 season, the Osasco native carries not only his undeniable talent on the track but also the unwavering support of a family deeply rooted in motorsport. Son of Lincoln Oliveira, CEO of Stock Car, and brother of Enzo Bortoleto, a former driver turned motorsport entrepreneur, Gabriel grew up surrounded by speed. His meteoric rise, marked by championship titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in his debut years, showcases the critical role his family played in guiding him to the pinnacle of global racing.
Born on October 14, 2004, Gabriel took his first laps at age 6, inspired by his older brother Enzo, who was already racing karts. His mother, Andrea Bortoleto, also played a vital part, weaving the family’s daily life around her son’s passion for racing. Meanwhile, Lincoln, a successful telecom and motorsport businessman, provided the resources and strategic vision to elevate Gabriel’s career internationally. This tight-knit family dynamic allowed the young driver to focus entirely on his dream, culminating in his upcoming Formula 1 debut—a moment poised to reignite Brazilian enthusiasm for a sport that once crowned legends like Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet.
The journey to Formula 1 wouldn’t have been possible without his family’s direct involvement. Enzo sacrificed his own racing career to nurture Gabriel’s potential, while Lincoln’s leadership in Stock Car created a broader platform for Brazilian motorsport. As Gabriel prepares to take on the world’s top drivers in 2025, he aims to honor this legacy and inspire a new generation of fans in a country with a rich racing heritage.
Early days in karting and Enzo’s influence
Gabriel’s racing career kicked off at age 6 on a karting track in Aldeia da Serra, São Paulo, spurred by his brother Enzo, then an active competitor. Now 26, Enzo had a promising career, racing in British Formula 3 and Porsche Cup, and later founding KTF Sports, a team involved in Stock Car and karting events. It was Enzo who secured Gabriel’s first kart, igniting a passion that would eventually lead to international acclaim.
- Early success: At 7, Gabriel won the Open do Brasileiro de Kart in 2012 in the Mirim category.
- Brotherly guidance: Enzo doubled as a mentor, steering Gabriel through his initial steps in the sport.
- Big move: At 11, Gabriel relocated to Italy—a decision driven by his father—to compete at a higher level in Europe.
A family fueled by speed
Lincoln Oliveira, Gabriel’s father, is a towering figure in both his son’s career and Brazilian motorsport. As the founder of Americanet, a leading telecom company, Lincoln turned his love for Formula 1—particularly Ayrton Senna—into tangible support for his sons. In 2020, he spearheaded the United Partners fund to acquire Vicar, the company behind Stock Car, and will step into the role of interim CEO in 2025. His involvement goes beyond finances, reflecting a long-term vision to bolster motorsport in Brazil and pave the way for emerging talents.
Enzo Bortoleto, meanwhile, shifted gears from racing to management. After competing in Sprint Race, Porsche Cup, and Endurance Brasil, he chose to prioritize Gabriel’s career, channeling family resources into his brother’s European journey. Today, Enzo works in Stock Car’s technical core, leading projects like the development of the category’s new car, set to debut in 2025. A father to Lorenzo (born 2019) and Manuela (2022), Enzo also made Gabriel an uncle at a young age, tightening the family bonds that underpin this success story.
Andrea Bortoleto, the mother, brought a personal touch to the equation. She recalls how Gabriel lived for racing from childhood—waking up, eating breakfast, and rushing to the simulator. To keep him fed, Andrea shaped his food into tire-like forms, embedding motorsport into their home life. Her dedication, paired with Lincoln’s strategy and Enzo’s technical know-how, created an environment where Gabriel could thrive as a driver.
Milestones in Gabriel Bortoleto’s career
Gabriel’s climb through motorsport ranks is nothing short of remarkable. After dominating karting in Brazil and Europe—highlighted by a third-place finish at the 2019 Karting World Championship—he transitioned to single-seaters in 2020, racing in the Italian Formula 4 with Prema. His debut season yielded a win and four podiums, placing him fifth overall. In the following years, he solidified his reputation in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA), securing two wins in 2022 and finishing sixth with R-ace GP.
- 2023: Formula 3 champion: In his rookie season, Gabriel won two races and led the standings from the opener, clinching the title with 164 points, 45 ahead of runner-up Zak O’Sullivan.
- 2024: Formula 2 title: Another debut triumph, he won at Monza from last on the grid and ended the year with 214.5 points, joining an elite group of drivers who won F3 and F2 in their first seasons.
- Sauber deal: Announced in November 2024, Gabriel will race for Sauber in 2025 alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg, marking a Brazilian return to the F1 grid.
Fernando Alonso’s role in Gabriel’s rise
A key figure in Gabriel’s journey is Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion. Since 2022, Alonso has managed Gabriel through his A14 Management agency, offering technical guidance and opening doors in Europe’s competitive racing scene. The Spaniard closely followed Gabriel’s F3 and F2 victories, publicly praising his skill and aiding in securing the Sauber seat.
Their relationship extends beyond business. Gabriel has highlighted Alonso’s hands-on advice on driving techniques, tire management, and overtaking strategies—insights drawn from decades of experience. This mentorship proved pivotal in Gabriel’s standout performances, including his 2024 Monza win in Formula 2 from the back of the field. Now, with Alonso’s backing, Gabriel gears up to face F1 giants like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Alonso himself in 2025.
Timeline of Gabriel’s rise to global tracks
Gabriel Bortoleto’s career follows a clear, rapid progression. Here are the key moments:
- 2012: Wins the Open do Brasileiro de Kart in the Mirim category at age 7.
- 2017: Moves to Italy at 11 to race in European karting.
- 2019: Takes third at the Karting World Championship.
- 2020: Debuts in Italian Formula 4, earning a win and four podiums.
- 2023: Claims the Formula 3 title in his first year.
- 2024: Wins Formula 2 as a rookie and signs with Sauber for 2025.
Family impact on Brazilian motorsport
The Bortoleto family’s influence stretches beyond Gabriel’s achievements. Lincoln Oliveira’s leadership at Vicar aims to expand opportunities for young Brazilian drivers. The company, which runs Stock Car, Formula 4 Brasil, Stock Series, and TCR South America, recently forged partnerships to link national racing with international touring car categories like TCR. This mirrors Lincoln’s approach with Gabriel, now applied to nurture broader talent.
Enzo contributes through innovation at Stock Car. As head of the Audace technical team, he’s driving the development of the category’s 2025 car. His choice to step away from driving to focus on Gabriel underscores the family’s shared commitment. Together, they’re not just propelling Gabriel to Formula 1—they’re reshaping Brazilian motorsport.
Gabriel’s story exemplifies how talent, backed by family, can break barriers. From São Paulo kart tracks to European circuits, he relied on Lincoln, Andrea, and Enzo to turn his dream into reality. As he nears his Formula 1 debut, Gabriel shoulders the hopes of millions of Brazilians eager to see him shine on the global stage.
Fun facts about Gabriel Bortoleto and his family
Here are some lesser-known tidbits about Gabriel and his family:
- Nickname “Bibi”: A term of endearment from friends and family.
- Senna tribute: Gabriel debuted a helmet honoring Ayrton Senna at Imola in 2024.
- Life in Italy: Since age 11, he’s lived in Milan but stays tied to Osasco.
- Off-track passions: Gabriel enjoys cooking—favoring rice, beans, and meat—and simulator racing.

Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old racing prodigy, is set to make history as the first Brazilian full-time Formula 1 driver since Felipe Massa in 2017. Representing Sauber in the 2025 season, the Osasco native carries not only his undeniable talent on the track but also the unwavering support of a family deeply rooted in motorsport. Son of Lincoln Oliveira, CEO of Stock Car, and brother of Enzo Bortoleto, a former driver turned motorsport entrepreneur, Gabriel grew up surrounded by speed. His meteoric rise, marked by championship titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in his debut years, showcases the critical role his family played in guiding him to the pinnacle of global racing.
Born on October 14, 2004, Gabriel took his first laps at age 6, inspired by his older brother Enzo, who was already racing karts. His mother, Andrea Bortoleto, also played a vital part, weaving the family’s daily life around her son’s passion for racing. Meanwhile, Lincoln, a successful telecom and motorsport businessman, provided the resources and strategic vision to elevate Gabriel’s career internationally. This tight-knit family dynamic allowed the young driver to focus entirely on his dream, culminating in his upcoming Formula 1 debut—a moment poised to reignite Brazilian enthusiasm for a sport that once crowned legends like Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet.
The journey to Formula 1 wouldn’t have been possible without his family’s direct involvement. Enzo sacrificed his own racing career to nurture Gabriel’s potential, while Lincoln’s leadership in Stock Car created a broader platform for Brazilian motorsport. As Gabriel prepares to take on the world’s top drivers in 2025, he aims to honor this legacy and inspire a new generation of fans in a country with a rich racing heritage.
Early days in karting and Enzo’s influence
Gabriel’s racing career kicked off at age 6 on a karting track in Aldeia da Serra, São Paulo, spurred by his brother Enzo, then an active competitor. Now 26, Enzo had a promising career, racing in British Formula 3 and Porsche Cup, and later founding KTF Sports, a team involved in Stock Car and karting events. It was Enzo who secured Gabriel’s first kart, igniting a passion that would eventually lead to international acclaim.
- Early success: At 7, Gabriel won the Open do Brasileiro de Kart in 2012 in the Mirim category.
- Brotherly guidance: Enzo doubled as a mentor, steering Gabriel through his initial steps in the sport.
- Big move: At 11, Gabriel relocated to Italy—a decision driven by his father—to compete at a higher level in Europe.
A family fueled by speed
Lincoln Oliveira, Gabriel’s father, is a towering figure in both his son’s career and Brazilian motorsport. As the founder of Americanet, a leading telecom company, Lincoln turned his love for Formula 1—particularly Ayrton Senna—into tangible support for his sons. In 2020, he spearheaded the United Partners fund to acquire Vicar, the company behind Stock Car, and will step into the role of interim CEO in 2025. His involvement goes beyond finances, reflecting a long-term vision to bolster motorsport in Brazil and pave the way for emerging talents.
Enzo Bortoleto, meanwhile, shifted gears from racing to management. After competing in Sprint Race, Porsche Cup, and Endurance Brasil, he chose to prioritize Gabriel’s career, channeling family resources into his brother’s European journey. Today, Enzo works in Stock Car’s technical core, leading projects like the development of the category’s new car, set to debut in 2025. A father to Lorenzo (born 2019) and Manuela (2022), Enzo also made Gabriel an uncle at a young age, tightening the family bonds that underpin this success story.
Andrea Bortoleto, the mother, brought a personal touch to the equation. She recalls how Gabriel lived for racing from childhood—waking up, eating breakfast, and rushing to the simulator. To keep him fed, Andrea shaped his food into tire-like forms, embedding motorsport into their home life. Her dedication, paired with Lincoln’s strategy and Enzo’s technical know-how, created an environment where Gabriel could thrive as a driver.
Milestones in Gabriel Bortoleto’s career
Gabriel’s climb through motorsport ranks is nothing short of remarkable. After dominating karting in Brazil and Europe—highlighted by a third-place finish at the 2019 Karting World Championship—he transitioned to single-seaters in 2020, racing in the Italian Formula 4 with Prema. His debut season yielded a win and four podiums, placing him fifth overall. In the following years, he solidified his reputation in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA), securing two wins in 2022 and finishing sixth with R-ace GP.
- 2023: Formula 3 champion: In his rookie season, Gabriel won two races and led the standings from the opener, clinching the title with 164 points, 45 ahead of runner-up Zak O’Sullivan.
- 2024: Formula 2 title: Another debut triumph, he won at Monza from last on the grid and ended the year with 214.5 points, joining an elite group of drivers who won F3 and F2 in their first seasons.
- Sauber deal: Announced in November 2024, Gabriel will race for Sauber in 2025 alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg, marking a Brazilian return to the F1 grid.
Fernando Alonso’s role in Gabriel’s rise
A key figure in Gabriel’s journey is Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion. Since 2022, Alonso has managed Gabriel through his A14 Management agency, offering technical guidance and opening doors in Europe’s competitive racing scene. The Spaniard closely followed Gabriel’s F3 and F2 victories, publicly praising his skill and aiding in securing the Sauber seat.
Their relationship extends beyond business. Gabriel has highlighted Alonso’s hands-on advice on driving techniques, tire management, and overtaking strategies—insights drawn from decades of experience. This mentorship proved pivotal in Gabriel’s standout performances, including his 2024 Monza win in Formula 2 from the back of the field. Now, with Alonso’s backing, Gabriel gears up to face F1 giants like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Alonso himself in 2025.
Timeline of Gabriel’s rise to global tracks
Gabriel Bortoleto’s career follows a clear, rapid progression. Here are the key moments:
- 2012: Wins the Open do Brasileiro de Kart in the Mirim category at age 7.
- 2017: Moves to Italy at 11 to race in European karting.
- 2019: Takes third at the Karting World Championship.
- 2020: Debuts in Italian Formula 4, earning a win and four podiums.
- 2023: Claims the Formula 3 title in his first year.
- 2024: Wins Formula 2 as a rookie and signs with Sauber for 2025.
Family impact on Brazilian motorsport
The Bortoleto family’s influence stretches beyond Gabriel’s achievements. Lincoln Oliveira’s leadership at Vicar aims to expand opportunities for young Brazilian drivers. The company, which runs Stock Car, Formula 4 Brasil, Stock Series, and TCR South America, recently forged partnerships to link national racing with international touring car categories like TCR. This mirrors Lincoln’s approach with Gabriel, now applied to nurture broader talent.
Enzo contributes through innovation at Stock Car. As head of the Audace technical team, he’s driving the development of the category’s 2025 car. His choice to step away from driving to focus on Gabriel underscores the family’s shared commitment. Together, they’re not just propelling Gabriel to Formula 1—they’re reshaping Brazilian motorsport.
Gabriel’s story exemplifies how talent, backed by family, can break barriers. From São Paulo kart tracks to European circuits, he relied on Lincoln, Andrea, and Enzo to turn his dream into reality. As he nears his Formula 1 debut, Gabriel shoulders the hopes of millions of Brazilians eager to see him shine on the global stage.
Fun facts about Gabriel Bortoleto and his family
Here are some lesser-known tidbits about Gabriel and his family:
- Nickname “Bibi”: A term of endearment from friends and family.
- Senna tribute: Gabriel debuted a helmet honoring Ayrton Senna at Imola in 2024.
- Life in Italy: Since age 11, he’s lived in Milan but stays tied to Osasco.
- Off-track passions: Gabriel enjoys cooking—favoring rice, beans, and meat—and simulator racing.
