Max Verstappen has been one of the most divisive figures in Formula One in the past half-decade, but there’s a side to him that fans don’t see, according to a rookie.
The four-time world champion has become synonymous with aggressive racing, which often crosses the line between hard racing and dangerous driving. Max Verstappen came close to a race ban because of it.
He’s shown a willingness to put friendships aside in order to win, proven by his title battle with Lando Norris last season. Engaging in a battle with the Dutchman is a form of psychological warfare that only the strongest-minded drivers can survive.
But Gabriel Bortoleto, a rookie with Sauber, said there is a side to Max Verstappen that fans don’t see.
Gabriel Bortoleto says Max Verstappen has been supporting him since Formula 3
Sauber’s Bortoleto has been one of the rookies of the season so far. He’s shown remarkable consistency in recent races, scoring points in four of his last six races.
His connection with manager Fernando Alonso is well known, but less well known is his relationship with Verstappen, who has supported his career through the junior Formula categories.
The Brazilian claimed that Verstappen has helped him and the other five rookies on the grid in 2025, and that’s something that fans don’t see in him.
He said to AutoRacer.IT, “With Max, however, I think it’s something different, he’s helped me since his F3 days by doing a lot of simulator together. I’ve been an ambassador for his sim-racing team since 2023 (Team Redline), where there are impressive guys who also win in reality.
“He is as you see him. He’s so transparent that sometimes people don’t see his best side, but he has a big heart and helps people, like he did with me.”
Verstappen is not in the championship fight this season, after a disappointing year at Red Bull. That has allowed fans to appreciate one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. He received endless affection on the podium at Monza after winning the Italian Grand Prix.
Being out of the title battle has also allowed Verstappen to open up to the rookies, and give them crucial advice and support throughout the season.
Gabriel Bortoleto credits Nico Hulkenberg for F1 success
The rivalry between teammates can be a difficult one to manage. Take McLaren’s inter-team battle between Norris and Oscar Piastri, for example. But Sauber has had no such issues with their driver pairing this season.
Bortoleto was quick to credit his teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, for his early successes in the sport. He said, “Without him, I probably wouldn’t be at the level I am now. I’m studying it and analyzing its data, and it’s working really well.
“He is fast, he is precise and he does not make mistakes, and even when he does, he still manages to keep the car on the track. It’s not just experience, it’s pure speed, because you don’t wake up one day in the morning and you get fast.
“Having him as a teammate makes me happy, because I arrive at the weekends knowing that it will be a tough fight between us. I think Nico deserves a lot more than what he has achieved and so when he gets good results I am genuinely happy for him.”
Hulkenberg got his first podium at Silverstone this season, as he has impressed in his first season with his new team. He now looks set to partner Bortoleto next season, in a milestone year for the team.
Not only does 2026 bring new regulations in F1, it also welcomes two new teams to the grid. Cadillac will become the grid’s 11th team. Meanwhile, Sauber becomes Audi, meaning Hulkenberg and Bortoleto will suit up in new colours next year.
With Hulkenberg’s experience and Bortletto’s willingness to learn from him, Audi has a secure and strong driver pairing despite early-season doubts.