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Sauber's burgeoning talent, Gabriel Bortoleto, has voiced profound admiration for his seasoned teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, particularly following Hulkenberg's long-awaited maiden Formula 1 podium finish. Bortoleto believes that Hulkenberg's extensive career in the sport, spanning fifteen years, had unfairly deprived him of such a momentous achievement until now. He emphasizes the critical role Hulkenberg has played in his own development as a driver, noting how invaluable his teammate's experience and natural speed have been. This mutual respect underscores a strong collaborative dynamic within the Sauber team, a sentiment echoed by their team principal.

Hulkenberg's journey to the podium has been a test of perseverance, marked by near misses and a consistent display of skill in often less competitive machinery. His recent success at the British Grand Prix, a thrilling wet-to-dry race, finally broke this extensive dry spell. Bortoleto, himself a promising rookie, aspires to emulate his teammate's success, aiming for a podium finish much earlier in his own Formula 1 career. He views Hulkenberg as a prime example of a driver whose raw talent and meticulous technique were not always matched by the opportunities presented, making his recent breakthrough all the more commendable and inspiring.

Hulkenberg's Well-Earned Triumph and Impact on Teammate

Sauber's rookie sensation, Gabriel Bortoleto, has openly expressed his admiration for teammate Nico Hulkenberg, particularly acknowledging Hulkenberg's recent, hard-won Formula 1 podium. Bortoleto asserts that Hulkenberg's 15-year career in F1 had been unjustly devoid of a podium finish, despite his undeniable talent. He noted the irony of a driver with such a strong junior career record – including victories in Formula 3 and GP2 (now Formula 2) – having to wait so long for a top-three result in Formula 1. Bortoleto was among the first to congratulate Hulkenberg on his "deserved" breakthrough at the British Grand Prix, emphasizing the emotional significance of this milestone after years of consistent performance in midfield teams, often overshadowed by circumstances or rivals.

Hulkenberg's career has been characterized by strong, consistent performances, often in cars not capable of regular podium contention. Notable instances, such as the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, saw his podium aspirations thwarted by unfortunate race incidents, while a strong stint at Force India saw his teammate, Sergio Perez, capitalize on opportunities that eluded Hulkenberg. Bortoleto believes that Hulkenberg’s inherent speed and precision have been consistently undervalued by the sport, suggesting that with better machinery, his teammate could have achieved far more. This perspective highlights a sentiment of unfulfilled potential that has long surrounded Hulkenberg, finally alleviated by his recent success.

Learning from a 'Crazy Fast' Competitor

Gabriel Bortoleto attributes a significant portion of his rapid progression in Formula 1 to his collaboration with Nico Hulkenberg. He candidly admits that he wouldn't be performing at his current level in qualifying and race pace without the rigorous challenge posed by Hulkenberg. Bortoleto diligently studies his teammate's data, constantly analyzing his techniques to refine his own driving. He notes Hulkenberg's exceptional precision and speed, particularly his ability to extract the absolute maximum from a lap without making costly errors, even when pushing the limits. This disciplined approach, coupled with Hulkenberg's innate talent, makes him the fastest teammate Bortoleto has ever encountered.

The collaborative atmosphere within Sauber has been praised by team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who views their driver pairing as one of the most harmonious he has witnessed in F1. Bortoleto emphasizes that Hulkenberg's speed isn't a sudden development but a consistent trait demonstrated throughout his career, including his pole position in his rookie F1 season in Brazil. While Hulkenberg is often lauded for his qualifying prowess, Bortoleto stresses that his race craft is equally impressive and often underestimated. The opportunity to compete and learn alongside a driver of Hulkenberg's caliber is immensely valuable for Bortoleto, as he strives to achieve his own podium success as early as possible in his Formula 1 journey.