Max Verstappen’s Quiet Influence in Gabriel Bortoleto’s McLaren Talks Revealed
Gabriel Bortoleto has shed new light on the behind-the-scenes role Max Verstappen played during key moments of his journey to Formula 1, revealing that the reigning world champion offered guidance during crucial contract discussions – including his move to McLaren.
Despite being only 28 years old, Verstappen is already regarded as one of Formula 1’s senior figures, having debuted in the sport back in 2015 and gone on to secure four world championships. Over the past few seasons, an influx of young drivers has entered the grid, with six rookies starting the 2025 season as full-time drivers. One of those newcomers, however, has developed an especially close bond with the Dutchman.
Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, joined Sauber for the 2025 season and quickly established himself as one of the standout young talents in the paddock. During the year, fans noticed the Brazilian frequently appearing alongside Verstappen in sim racing events, online gaming streams, and off-track moments, sparking curiosity about their relationship.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Bortoleto explained that his friendship with Verstappen stretches back far earlier than many realise. According to the Brazilian, their connection began during his junior single-seater days and has continued to strengthen ever since.
“I’ve had a very good friendship with Max for a long time,” Bortoleto said. “People only really see it now because we’re both in Formula 1 and you see us together more often – doing streams, sim racing, or just spending time around the paddock. But this relationship started years ago.”
As their careers overlapped more closely in F1, the pair naturally spent more time together, allowing their bond to deepen. Bortoleto described Verstappen as approachable and generous with his time, despite his status as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
What has largely gone unnoticed, however, is the extent to which Verstappen has offered guidance behind closed doors. Bortoleto revealed that the Red Bull driver played a supportive role during several pivotal career decisions, including when he was weighing up contract options in the junior categories.
“Max has helped me a lot throughout my career, even when I wasn’t in Formula 1,” Bortoleto explained. “I’ve always asked him questions – about racing decisions, about teams, and even about contracts.”
One particularly significant moment came when Bortoleto was considering signing with McLaren’s young driver programme. According to the Brazilian, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the opportunity, helping him evaluate the move from an experienced driver’s perspective.
“When I was about to sign for McLaren, I asked him what he thought,” Bortoleto said. “Later, when I was considering joining Sauber, I also spoke to him about that decision.”
Bortoleto was quick to clarify that Verstappen never attempted to dictate his choices. Instead, the four-time world champion simply offered honest opinions when asked, allowing the younger driver to make his own informed decisions.
“He never told me what to do,” Bortoleto added. “He just gave me his view on things when I asked. That meant a lot, because he didn’t have to help me at all.”
Bortoleto’s rise through the junior ranks has been nothing short of impressive. After winning the Formula 3 championship in 2023, he earned a place in McLaren’s driver development programme before stepping up to Formula 2 the following year. His rookie F2 season proved highly competitive, culminating in a championship-winning campaign after a fierce title fight with Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar.
Although his F2 season began quietly, Bortoleto’s form improved rapidly. A first podium at Imola was followed by his maiden victory at the Red Bull Ring, and he went on to collect several more podium finishes on his way to securing the title.
At the end of 2024, Sauber signed Bortoleto to a long-term deal, ensuring his place on the grid through the team’s transition into Audi for the 2026 season. His strong performances in 2025 further reinforced his reputation, making it likely he would have retained an F1 seat regardless of contract length.
Adding to his strong support network, Bortoleto is managed by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso through A14 Management. With guidance from both Alonso and Verstappen, the Brazilian enters the early stages of his Formula 1 career with advice from two of the most successful drivers of the modern era.
As Bortoleto continues to establish himself in the sport, it is now clear that Verstappen’s influence has quietly played a meaningful role in shaping his path to the top level of motorsport.
