Nico Hulkenberg has commended new team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto, describing him as “fast as hell”, as the pair begin life at Sauber ahead of the new Formula 1 season.
Hulkenberg and Bortoleto complete one of the opposite pairings this year, with the veteran of 230 Grands Prix signed alongside the rookie and reigning Formula 2 champion, the Swiss team’s final driver roster before it fully transitions into the works Audi project for 2026.
Such was the Brazilian’s performances for Invicta Racing in the premier feeder series last year, that Sauber sought to spring him from his contract in McLaren’s Driver Development Programme and hire him ahead of other potential candidates.
Asked by F1’s official website how the burgeoning partnership has been going so far, Hulkenberg had nothing but praise for his new partner.
“Very good. I think we get on really well – he’s a really nice guy, a smart kid, fast as hell!
“He learns really quickly. He did his first race sim here [Bahrain] at the test, so I look forward to work alongside him.”
Things ‘progressing well’ for Sauber ahead of 2025 campaign
Hulkenberg is making his second bow for Sauber this year, having spent the 2013 season with the Hinwil-based squad in-between stints with Force India.
However, there is all change from then to now, with former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto – now Sauber’s Chief Technical Officer – taking the reins of the team for the opening two rounds before the commencement of former Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley in the role.
Hulkenberg, who has joined from Haas, spoke of his contentment within the team, having embedded himself into the working environment since the New Year, despite admitting he has “no idea” where it currently is compared to its rivals.
“It’s going well. We’ve been working together since January, had many factory days, simulator days. Obviously now [this is] our first time at track, but I think on that side things are progressing well.
“I enjoy working with the engineers in the office, with Mattia [Binotto], with everyone in the garage and back in the factory. When you change team, there’s so many things to explore and discover – one of the nice things when you change team, compared to when you’re with a team that you’re settled in.
“Lots of things to discover, everything’s new, and it’s like a new relationship! It’s an exciting, interesting phase now.”
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