FIA honour F1 star after HISTORIC ....read more

FIA honour F1 star after HISTORIC ….read more

The FIA recently honored an emerging Formula 1 talent for achieving a historic feat following the conclusion of the 2024 season. With the motorsport world now entering its winter break, many series, including F1, are reflecting on the action-packed season that has just concluded. The 2024 campaign wrapped up with the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and drivers are taking a well-deserved break as anticipation builds for the 2025 season, which is expected to bring a wealth of new talent and exciting storylines.

Among the notable developments leading into 2025 is the debut of several promising rookie drivers in Formula 1. Following Lewis Hamilton’s highly publicized move from Mercedes to Ferrari, which set off a whirlwind of driver market activity earlier than usual, several young stars have earned their place on the grid. One of the most significant moves involves Gabriel Bortoleto, who secured his promotion to F1 with Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026. Bortoleto’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and his achievements have earned him widespread recognition.

The 2024 Formula 2 season was an intense battle, with the championship going down to the wire. However, an unexpected twist saw Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar eliminated from the season finale before it even began due to a technical fault. This unfortunate incident allowed Bortoleto to claim the F2 title, adding yet another milestone to his already impressive career. The 20-year-old Brazilian’s triumph in F2 mirrors his incredible success in 2023, when he won the Formula 3 championship in his debut season.

Bortoleto’s accomplishments in both F3 and F2 mark him as one of the most promising talents in motorsport, and his record-breaking achievements have not gone unnoticed. The young driver’s ability to win both championships in his first attempts has earned him a spot in the history books, a rare feat in the competitive world of single-seater racing. While making the leap to Formula 1 will present an entirely new set of challenges, expectations for Bortoleto’s performance in 2025 are already high. His manager, two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, has been instrumental in guiding the young star’s career, offering invaluable advice and support as Bortoleto prepares for his debut season.

The FIA took the opportunity to celebrate the year’s champions from various motorsport series at an official award ceremony held in Rwanda. The event gathered the top drivers from multiple disciplines, with the biggest spotlight on Max Verstappen, who picked up his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship title. Verstappen clinched his latest crown after securing victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, solidifying his dominance in the sport. However, Bortoleto was also among those recognized at the prestigious ceremony for his outstanding achievements in F2. The young Brazilian’s victory in the F2 championship capped off a sensational year for him, and his future in F1 is now the subject of much excitement.

The FIA’s recognition of Bortoleto at the award ceremony highlights the growing importance of the Formula 2 championship as a stepping stone to F1, with more and more drivers using the series as a springboard to the top. Bortoleto’s meteoric rise through the ranks has made him one of the most talked-about rookies for the 2025 F1 season. With his impressive track record and the mentorship of Alonso, there are high hopes that he will continue to make waves in Formula 1, following in the footsteps of other talented young drivers who have made their mark on the sport in recent years.

As the motorsport world looks forward to 2025, all eyes will be on the rookies, including Bortoleto, who will undoubtedly aim to prove himself in the world’s most competitive racing series. The coming season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with fresh talent, experienced drivers, and fierce competition shaping the future of Formula 1. For now, though, the focus is on the well-deserved celebrations and the recognition of the achievements that made 2024 such a thrilling year in motorsport.