BREAKING: F1 star ruled OUT at Saudi Grand Prix as In…read more
Fuel Leak Forces Gabriel Bortoleto Out of FP2 at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Amid Investigation
Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend took a major hit on Friday after he was ruled out of Free Practice 2 due to a fuel leak on his car. The issue, discovered after FP1, prompted a detailed investigation by the team and left the 20-year-old unable to participate in the crucial second practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Bortoleto, who is competing in his first full Formula 1 season after winning the 2024 Formula 2 title, was looking to gain vital track time at one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits. However, his plans were abruptly halted when Sauber mechanics detected a significant issue with the car’s fuel system.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins delivered the update during the broadcast, revealing: “There’s a fuel leak on Gabriel’s car that they discovered after FP1. It can’t be fixed in time and they’re investigating the source of the problem. As a result, he won’t be able to take part in FP2.”
The timing of the failure is particularly damaging for Bortoleto. FP2 is considered the most representative practice session of the weekend due to its evening schedule, which mirrors the track and temperature conditions drivers will face in both qualifying and the race. Missing this session puts Bortoleto at a severe disadvantage, especially as he continues to adapt to the demands of F1.
Visuals from the Sauber garage showed a stripped-down chassis and the car’s engine removed, covered by a red blanket signs that the issue may be more complex than initially expected. Collins suggested that the team might even be conducting a full chassis swap, an extensive repair process that underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Bortoleto’s absence also comes amid growing scrutiny over his early-season form. Despite entering the sport as one of the most highly rated rookies, he has struggled to match the performances of his fellow newcomers. Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes and Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls have both shown strong pace and confidence in their early F1 outings, increasing pressure on the young Brazilian to deliver.
“Every lap counts for rookies,” Collins added. “This lost session is going to hurt him especially at a track as technical and high-speed as Jeddah. It’s a huge missed opportunity for learning and setup adjustment.”
Despite this setback, Sauber remains optimistic that Bortoleto will return to the track in time for Saturday’s qualifying. The team is working urgently to resolve the issue, aiming to ensure that the Brazilian has a fighting chance to turn his weekend around.
As F1 heads into the final leg of its first triple-header of the season, all eyes will be on whether Bortoleto can recover from this early blow and make an impact in qualifying—and ultimately, Sunday’s race.
