Nico Hulkenberg has admitted there are certain areas where his rookie team-mate at Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto, helped him to improve in Formula 1 during 2025.
Hulkenberg and Bortoleto combined to achieve Sauber’s highest points haul since 2012. But with the grid so tight, the team ended up ninth in the championship.
Regardless, Hulkenberg managed to log his maiden podium at Silverstone, while Bortoleto soon got to grips with the step to F1 to have a strong mid-season run.
And while Hulkenberg’s experience saw him earn 32 more points than Bortoleto, the Brazilian showcased his raw speed as he out-qualified his team-mate 12-11.
Hulkenberg believes the recent season demonstrated that rookies are now able to make an immediate impact, even to the point where it taught him some things.
“Absolutely,” Hulkenberg told media including Motorsport Week when asked whether he had learnt anything from his 21-year-old counterpart.
“Being a rookie doesn’t mean you can’t perform or you don’t know how to drive. I mean, we all were rookies at one point. You’ve got to start at one point in F1.”
Bortoleto’s speed doesn’t surprise Hulkenberg
Bortoleto’s impressive debut campaign – which comprised five top-10 results, including a career-best sixth in the Hungarian Grand Prix – didn’t surprise Hulkenberg.
“And for sure, Gabi’s been very impressive on the driving side — driving inputs, driving techniques as well — it’s something that he’s really strong at,” he explained.
Hulkenberg highlighted that through Bortoleto’s extensive feedback and driving style, he was able to make developments in his own driving style to improve overall.
“So to be honest, there have been many points this year where I learned from him. We bounce off each other, looking at each other’s data,” he added.
This collaborative dynamic within the Sauber garage has been important as the team prepares to transition into Audi’s works operation next season.
With Hulkenberg providing the experience and Bortoleto bringing a fresh perspective and raw speed, the pairing has helped to cultivate a productive environment.
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