P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen have shared their thoughts on Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be one of at least five F1 drivers embarking on their first full rookie campaign next season.
“Oscar Piastri believes Gabriel Bortoleto deserves his seat in F1, drawing from his own experience of missing out on a drive after winning FIA F3 and F2 titles consecutively. Despite winning the F3 championship in 2020 and F2 the following year with PREMA, Alpine opted to keep Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, leading Piastri to a year off before moving to McLaren. Bortoleto, currently leading the F2 standings, has already secured his F1 future at Stake alongside Nico Hulkenberg, contrasting Piastri’s path.” “Piastri praised Bortoleto’s achievements, emphasizing the deserving nature of being in F1 with such results. Verstappen highlighted the advantage Bortoleto has in not having to wait a year like Piastri did, especially with the upcoming 2026 F1 rules. Having a season to adapt at Stake, which will transition to Audi, is seen as beneficial for Bortoleto’s debut in F1 in the midst of significant changes in the sport.”
