Gabriel Bortoleto is set to experience his first São Paulo GP as an F1 driver this weekend, following an impressive points finish in Mexico City.
The young Brazilian secured tenth place at the Mexico City GP just two weeks ago, climbing from 16th on the grid to claim a championship point for Sauber. Now, he faces the unique challenge of racing at Interlagos in front of his home crowd for the first time in F1.
When asked about the significance of the weekend, Bortoleto made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm. “Yeah, I’m extremely excited for this weekend,” he said in the press conference. “I’m just looking forward to drive, to be honest. It’s a track I’ve not been to so many times in the past. I’ve driven here once, but four years ago with a GT car. So I don’t know the track so much. But yeah, very excited about driving here in front of the Brazilian crowd.”
Optimism despite limited experience
Despite his limited experience at the iconic São Paulo circuit, Bortoleto arrives at the GP with confidence following his breakthrough F1 drive in Mexico. When questioned about his prospects for the Sprint weekend format, he remained optimistic. “I think so, yeah. It’s a Sprint weekend – it’s not going to be easy – but I think if we do a good job and put the car in a good window straight away from FP1, we can be competitive.”
The possibility of scoring points on home soil would represent a landmark moment for both driver and team. “That would be great,” Bortoleto acknowledged. “I mean, for the team, for me, for the Brazilian fans – I imagine it would be very, very good. So hopefully, we can score points.”
Managing expectations and emotions
Regarding the potential pressure of performing in front of a passionate home support, the Sauber driver maintained a measured perspective. “I wouldn’t say more pressure because I take it as one more race of the season. We’ve done so many already. But definitely I’m more anxious for it. I want to drive. I want to feel how it is – Interlagos and everything. But I don’t see it pressure-wise. I don’t need to perform better or worse because I’m in Brazil. It’s the same thing.”
Bortoleto emphasised his professional approach to the weekend whilst acknowledging the emotional significance. “I’m going to do my job, I’m preparing the same way as I did for any other race – and have fun and go for it,” he said. “I’m happy that my family is going to be around – a lot of Brazilian fans – and that’s for sure bringing a lot of good energy for me when I’m on track.”
With the support of Brazil faithful behind him, Bortoleto will be hoping to deliver another points-scoring performance when the lights go out for his maiden F1 São Paulo GP.
