P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto enjoyed his best qualifying of the year in Austria.
Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto is feeling a positive change in his performance after advancing to Q3 for the first time in the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday. Despite teammate Nico Hulkenberg finishing last, Bortoleto secured an impressive eighth place on the grid. The Brazilian driver outqualified fellow rookie Kimi Antonelli and was just two tenths slower than Max Verstappen. Bortoleto considers Austria a potential turning point in his season, expressing confidence since the first session. The introduction of updated floor design and a high-downforce rear wing by Sauber played a role, but Bortoleto credits his experience for the standout performance. Looking ahead to the race, Bortoleto aims to start strong, keep pace with faster cars, and focus on gaining positions strategically to score points.
