P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has revealed that McLaren rejected a late text message request not to lap Gabriel Bortoleto in the closing stages of the F1 Austrian GP.
Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley revealed McLaren rejected a request not to lap Gabriel Bortoleto in the closing stages of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. The team secured its first double-points finish of the year, with Bortoleto finishing eighth and Nico Hulkenberg ninth. Bortoleto pressured Fernando Alonso for seventh, but his rhythm was interrupted by race-winner Lando Norris lapping him on the final lap. Wheatley joked he asked McLaren CEO Zak Brown to keep Norris away, musing it could have changed the result. Wheatley praised Bortoleto’s inevitable top 10 finish, noting his maturity and bright future. He believed Bortoleto’s flawless race deserved Driver of the Day honors and commended his strategic driving.
