Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged Ferrari to move quickly to secure the services of Gabriel Bortoleto, describing the young driver as “worth his weight in gold”.
Making waves in F1 with midfield outfit Sauber, the 20-year-old claimed his maiden points finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, crossing the line in eighth place ahead of veteran team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.
Despite retiring early at Silverstone, Bortoleto kept his momentum heading into races in Belgium and Hungary. He secured back-to-back top-10 finishes, quickly marking himself as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
The reigning Formula 2 champion is one of seven rookies to have made their F1 debut this season, impressing with his pace, consistency, and composure against more experienced competitors.
So strong has his start been that Ferrari has been urged to act swiftly to secure his signature from the Swiss outfit.
Ecclestone, who owns a farm in Bortoleto’s native Brazil, played a role in helping the family navigate the youngster’s entry into F1. He praised Bortoleto’s recent performances at the Hungaroring before the summer break.
“I’m glad we were able to help the Bortoleto family with their entry into Formula 1,” he said, according to Swiss-German outlet Blick. “The boy is worth his weight in gold!”
“Bortoleto’s strong performances in a midfield team like Sauber should really wake Ferrari up now. The next driver question for the Italians needs to be resolved with the Brazilian.”
Ecclestone on the rising talents ready to take Hamilton’s seat at Ferrari
The British business magnate’s praise of Bortoleto came amid broader comments on the F1 grid. He is criticising Lewis Hamilton and suggested that the Scuderia should be keeping an eye on other emerging talents.
“If I could steal him, I’d take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls,” he told MailOnline. “He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy.
“I also rate our friend from Brazil [Bortoleto]. He is talented. Both of them are sensible, too.”
Ecclestone suggested that Hamilton, a seven-time F1 World Champion, might be due for a break from the sport.
“But like a lot of leading sports personalities when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it’s not a good direction,” he added. “It’s only down.
“They get tired. Lewis is tired. He’s been doing what he is doing forever. He needs a rest from it for good, a total reset to do something completely different.
“‘He may not think it but he will soon get used to doing other stuff away from motor racing in retirement. I think he should have done it a while ago.
“‘The guy is not a cheat. But he would be cheating himself if he goes on. He should stop now.”
READ MORE – Ex-F1 supremo urges Ferrari to sign Red Bull-backed driver to replace Lewis Hamilton
Discussion about this post