Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto has named Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman as his two closest colleagues within the Formula 1 paddock. The Brazilian driver highlighted his strong relationships with both competitors.
Bortoleto, who made his Formula 1 debut in 2025 with Sauber before the team transitioned to Audi in the current 2026 season, has cultivated a notable friendship with four-time World Champion Verstappen.
Their bond developed through shared interests in sim racing and online gaming, including titles such as Call of Duty. This shared pastime has led to enjoyable time spent together away from the race track.
Verstappen has also served as a mentor to Bortoleto, offering significant career advice and guidance on contractual matters. Verstappen even recommended Bortoleto to Red Bull during his junior racing years.
Bortoleto has publicly praised Verstappen’s capacity to unite a team and develop it into a championship-winning entity. He has previously suggested Verstappen would be an effective teammate.
Ollie Bearman, the other driver mentioned by Bortoleto, is also a contemporary in the F1 environment. Bortoleto noted that he frequently communicates with and sees both Verstappen and Bearman.
Bortoleto’s path to Formula 1 included winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024. This rapid progression secured his place on the grid.
He is currently contracted to remain with the Audi factory team until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season. His current teammate at Audi is Nico Hülkenberg.
During the current 2026 season, Bortoleto has achieved several points finishes. He recently received a time penalty following an incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Brazilian driver continues to navigate his second season in Formula 1, building on his junior category successes and his established relationships within the sport. He has cited Ayrton Senna as a childhood idol.
