Nico Hulkenberg has detailed how his Sauber team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto’s performances in his rookie season in Formula 1 to date have “surprised” him.
Despite a stellar junior career, the reigning Formula 2 champion came into the paddock this year with limited hype and excitement towards him.
Much of this can be attributed to how Sauber’s struggles last season dulled any expectations for Bortoleto to shine on the grid.
However, the Brazilian driver has been quickly racking up a reputation for himself after some strong results recently, scoring points three times in four races.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 20-year-old secured a career-best seventh-placed grid slot and backed it up with a career-best sixth-placed Grand Prix finish.
Hulkenberg hailed his team-mate’s exploits so far in the Sauber C45, especially considering that it is his maiden campaign in the sport.
“I think he’s a very young, bright, very fast guy,” Hulkenberg told media including Motorsport Week.
“He’s very dedicated, very focused, works really hard. He definitely has the right attitude and he’s got the speed. So, he’s very impressive for me, for a rookie.
“Seeing him that close as a team-mate, seeing his data, listening to what he has to say after sessions and races, I think it’s very, very encouraging.
“And, you know, he has everything that you need to become a great driver and to have a long, successful career.”
Bortoleto has been able to closely match Hulkenberg’s pace, having out-qualified the 37-year-old three times in the last four rounds.
Hulkenberg divulged that while he did not pay much heed to Bortoleto’s results in the lower formulas, he has been left “surprised” with the Brazilian’s pace.
“I didn’t know much about him, you know, to be honest,” he admitted. “And so, yeah, no, it’s definitely a surprise.”
Hulkenberg enjoying Bortoleto partnership at Sauber
Alongside Bortoleto’s recent points hauls, Hulkenberg, on the other hand, pulled off a magical career-first podium at the British Grand Prix with third in a rain-hit race.
The combination’s exploits have ensured that, heading into the summer break, the Hinwil-based squad is squarely in the mix to fight for the lead in the midfield battle.
And while Bortoleto has been keeping Hulkenberg honest, the German revealed that he is actually relishing the chance to fight toe-to-toe with someone like Bortoleto, with whom he claims to share a “very good” relationship both on and off the track.
“It’s very, very good,” he explained, talking about the dynamic at Sauber.
“It’s very healthy. I think we get along really well, but we push each other.
“It is competitive, but it is also in the interest of the team and helping each other, balancing off each other. So it’s been very positive and enjoyable.”
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