As the thrilling Formula 2 championship reaches its climax, our current leader, Gabriel Bortoleto, is preparing for the final two rounds. Before he races into action at Lusail, we thought it only fitting to delve into his journey and experiences through a series of intriguing questions.
From his racing endeavors with Invicta Racing to his cherished moments back home in Brazil, Bortoleto gives us an inside look at who he truly is.
WHERE DO YOU CONSIDER HOME?
“São Paulo, Brazil.”
OUTSIDE OF MOTORSPORT, WHICH ATHLETE DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST?
“Michael Jordan. He’s an absolute legend in sports, having dominated basketball and consistently proven himself as the best in history.”
WHO ARE YOU FRIENDS WITH MOST ON THE GRID?
“Haha! Friends is an intense word, right? I get along well with everyone, but Kush is my close friend.”
Bortoleto leads the Drivers’ Championship heading into the final two rounds of the season
IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO ANY MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE TO RELIVE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“When I won the title in F3, it was the best sensation I’ve ever had. It was just insane. I got out of the car and felt a moment of solitude, but then everyone swarmed me, showering me with congratulations. I didn’t realize until that moment how big of an achievement it truly was. I was walking back to the Trident tent, and upon seeing my whole family, I started crying immediately. I had put in so much effort last season, and my family worked just as hard to support me. When I arrived and saw everyone, the emotion was overwhelming. It was unbelievable.”
IF YOU WEREN’T A RACING DRIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS A JOB?
“It’s difficult to say. I would say sim racing. Not as a driver with real cars but racing on the sim.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW?
“Movie is Interstellar, while my choice for a TV series is Peaky Blinders.”
The Invicta Racing and McLaren Development Driver is aiming to go back-to-back after winning the F3 title in 2023
WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?
“I was in the car so let me check… Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia.”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
“Family.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
“Step-by-step, brick-by-brick.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO AND ONE YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO BUT WOULD LOVE TO GO?
“Greece and Mykonos stand out as favorites. One place I’d like to visit is Rio de Janeiro. Surprisingly, I’ve never actually had the chance to go there while being in Brazil.”
You could give one piece of advice to aspiring racers, what would it be?
“Stay focused and never stop learning. Every race is a chance to improve, and the journey is just as important as the destination.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FORMULA 2 SO FAR?
“Winning at Silverstone was definitely a highlight. The atmosphere, the fans, and the history of the circuit made it an unforgettable experience.”
HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE OF LEADING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
“I try to take it one race at a time. The pressure can be intense, but I focus on my process and what I can control. It’s about enjoying the moment, too.”
WHAT DOES THE FINAL ROUND OF THE SEASON IN LUSAIL MEAN TO YOU?
“Lusail is special because it’s a chance to showcase everything we’ve worked for this season. I’m excited, but I also know the importance of staying grounded and giving it my all.”
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED IN THE SPORT?
“I want to be remembered as a passionate driver who never gave up. Someone who inspired others to chase their dreams, no matter the challenges.”
Thank you, Gabriel, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We wish you the best of luck in the upcoming races!
**Interview with Gabriel Bortoleto – Current Leader of the Formula 2 Championship**
**Editor:** Welcome, Gabriel! As you gear up for the thrilling final rounds of the Formula 2 championship at Lusail, let’s dive into your journey.
**Gabriel Bortoleto:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts.
**Editor:** To start, where do you consider home, Gabriel?
**Gabriel:** Definitely São Paulo, Brazil. It’s where my heart is, and it’s shaped who I am as a driver and person.
**Editor:** Outside of motorsport, which athlete do you admire the most?
**Gabriel:** Michael Jordan. He’s a legend and has set such a high standard in sports. His dominance and work ethic are truly inspiring.
**Editor:** That’s a great choice! Now, on the grid, who are you closest friends with?
**Gabriel:** Haha, friends is a strong word! I get along well with everyone, but Kush is my close friend.
**Editor:** As the leader of the Drivers’ Championship, you have to be feeling the pressure. If you could go back to any moment in your life to relive, what would it be?
**Gabriel:** It would definitely be when I won the title in F3. The emotions were unreal. When I saw my family after the race, it was an overwhelming moment filled with joy and relief.
**Editor:** And if you weren’t driving, what would you be doing as a job?
**Gabriel:** I think I’d be involved with sim racing. Not in real cars, but in the virtual racing world. It’s still a big passion of mine.
**Editor:** Fascinating! What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
**Gabriel:** I love “Interstellar” for its depth, and I can’t get enough of “Peaky Blinders” for its gripping storyline.
**Editor:** Shifting gears a bit, what was the last song you listened to?
**Gabriel:** I just listened to “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia while driving. A classic!
**Editor:** Seems like you value your family a lot. What is your most treasured possession?
**Gabriel:** No doubt, it’s my family. They’ve been my biggest support system throughout my journey.
**Editor:** That’s really touching. Now, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
**Gabriel:** “Step-by-step, brick-by-brick.” It reminds me to stay focused and dedicated to the process.
**Editor:** If you could reveal one piece of advice to aspiring racers out there, what would it be?
**Gabriel:** Focus on the fundamentals. Each step is important in building your skills and confidence in the sport. Keep pushing and never lose sight of your goals.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gabriel, for sharing your insights with us today. Best of luck in the final rounds!
**Gabriel:** Thank you! I appreciate it and look forward to the challenge ahead.
