Gabriel Bortoleto tells friends to "slap" him if F1 fame changes him

Gabriel Bortoleto is adamant not to let the fame of Formula 1 get to his head, joking that he has told his friends to slap him if he ever changes.

The 21-year-old driver joined Sauber for his rookie season in 2025 after clinching the 2024 Formula 2 championship. He impressed in his first year in the series alongside his experienced team-mate, Nico Hulkenberg.

Bortoleto is keen not to let the fame that comes with the championship go to his head, though. "I didn't change at all," the Brazilian driver told F1.com. "I think I've learned different things to manage my time better. But as my personality and everything, I don't think I've changed.

"I enjoy making people smile and people happy around me. I think that's very important. I try to be like that. It's just who I am.

"I think in F1, it's very easy because you become a bit famous and then people start to change a bit and not really be the same person anymore. I don't feel a reason so far to change.

"I always joke with my friends and people even in the team. I said, if one day I change, you slap me in the face. So far, I have not had any slaps!"

Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

Sauber will transition to the Audi F1 team from 2026, and Bortoleto is excited to be part of the new project. Both he and Hulkenberg will continue with the Jonathan Wheatley-led team as it rebrands. 

"I'm excited to start this new project," he added. "To be fully focused on the project for next year, that will be incredible and to be able to lead that and focus for next year will be incredible."

The 2026 F1 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix on 6-8 March.