Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has revealed that Lewis Hamilton offered words of encouragement to Gabriel Bortoleto after the Formula 1 rookie retired from the British Grand Prix.
While it was a day to remember for his team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, who secured his first-ever F1 podium, Bortoleto’s race ended after just three laps.
One of Hulkenberg’s standout decisions came before the lights even went out, choosing not to switch to slicks during the formation lap as changing track conditions created uncertainty.
The Brazilian, however, was one of three rookies who opted to swap off the intermediate tyres — a gamble that didn’t pay off. He lost control exiting the Hamilton Straight and spun into the gravel.
Though he initially managed to keep the car running, damage sustained in the incident forced him to retire shortly after, pulling off near the Maggots and Becketts section.
Rather than heading straight back to the team motorhome after his early exit, Bortoleto returned to the garage to support his team — cheering on veteran team-mate Hulkenberg all the way to the chequered flag.
The 20-year-old showed his sportsmanship by congratulating the German over the team radio, then meeting him in parc ferme to offer his support in person.
In a moment that helped soften the sting of retirement, Bortoleto was also approached by Hamilton — the Ferrari driver who narrowly missed out on extending his Silverstone podium streak — but still took the time to console the young Sauber driver, as Wheatley revealed.
“I feel for Gabriel – it’s easy to forget that it’s his first season in Formula One and Lewis had some kind words for him after the race just to reassure him,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“Gabriel will learn from this; he’ll get stronger.”
Listening, learning and growing: Bortoleto’s rise despite setbacks
After stepping out of the car, the rookie didn’t switch off. Instead, he stayed on the team radio, listening in on his team-mate’s race from start to finish — closely observing the communication, strategy, and decision-making in real time.
Team boss Wheatley praised that mindset, highlighting the young driver’s hunger to grow
“Gabriel has a tremendous work ethic and he has a capacity for learning – he wants to learn,” he said.
“He’s drawing information out of everything. He takes information in from everywhere.
“I think for him to sit there in those conditions and listen to Nico asking all the right questions and conversations on the radio, it’s only going to make him stronger.”
He opened his points account just one week earlier at the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing eighth — notably ahead of his more experienced team-mate — as the team continues its steady climb up the midfield.
With a strong run of form over the past three races, the Swiss outfit now sits sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, just 18 points shy of Williams.
For the rookie, Silverstone may not have delivered the result he hoped for, but his attitude — both in adversity and in learning — continues to underline why he’s considered one of the most promising young talents on the grid.
READ MORE — How collective Sauber effort helped Nico Hulkenberg capture maiden F1 podium
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