Gabriel Bortoleto is not only set to make his Formula 1 debut for the Swiss Sauber team in 2025, but the Brazilian will also do so as the Formula 2 champion. Bortoleto secured enough points with his second-place finish in Abu Dhabi to win the championship over Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar. Richard Verschoor impressively finished third in the final race of the F2 season.
The last Formula 2 race of the year started off chaotically with Hadjar’s breakdown. The Red Bull junior was still a contender for the championship win, but his car stalled before the start. As a result, Hadjar was unable to participate in the race, essentially guaranteeing Bortoleto his title.
The Brazilian held the lead in the race until the eighth lap, but a detour off the track caused the future Sauber driver to lose his position to Joshua Duerksen. Victor Martins also overtook the McLaren junior at that point. Bortoleto was eventually able to overtake Martin in return, but had to settle for P2. Dutchman Richard Verschoor impressively secured the third podium spot in the final lap of the race.
Honours
“It’s the best feeling in the world, I can’t even explain what’s going through me right now,” an elated Bortoleto said immediately after the race. The McLaren junior won the Formula 3 championship last year, placing him on an illustrious list of honours. Oscar Piastri, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc also consecutively won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships.
