At the 2024 Monza feature race, Gabriel Bortoleto became the first driver to secure a victory starting from the back of the grid in either Formula 1 or Formula 2. Born in Osasco, Brazil, in 2004, the racing driver rose through junior categories before claiming consecutive titles in the FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 championships.
Early Development and Karting
Bortoleto began his involvement in competitive karting in October 2011. After honing his skills in the Campeonato Sulbrasileiro de Kart, he moved to Europe at age eleven to pursue a professional career. His most significant results arrived in 2018, when he finished third in the European and World Championships in the OK-Junior category and placed as vice-champion in both the WSK Super Master Series and the Andrea Margutti Trophy.
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His transition to car racing occurred in the 2020 Italian F4 Championship with Prema Powerteam. He achieved his first single-seater win in the fourth round at Mugello and ended the season fifth in the standings. Following this, he spent two years in the Formula Regional European Championship, driving for FA Racing in 2021 and R-ace GP in 2022. During his 2022 campaign, he secured victories at Spa and Barcelona despite experiencing intermittent engine complications.
Formula 3 and Formula 2 Dominance
Bortoleto joined Trident for the 2023 FIA Formula 3 season, earning the title after establishing an early lead with back-to-back feature race wins in Bahrain and Australia. Advancing to Formula 2 in 2024 with Invicta Racing, he became the seventh driver in history to win the championship during a rookie season. This success earned him a progression into the Formula One World Championship.
Professional Support and Background
The son of Lincoln Oliveira, an executive in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series, Bortoleto has benefited from a career managed by A14 Management, a firm founded by Fernando Alonso. His racing efforts receive backing from sponsors including Banco de Brasília, Porto Seguro, Qualcomm Snapdragon, and O Boticário. He maintains proficiency in Italian, English, and Portuguese.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 October 2004, Osasco, Brazil
- Formula 3 Champion: 2023
- Formula 2 Champion: 2024
- Manager: A14 Management
- Languages: Italian, English, Portuguese
- Debut Year: 2011 (Karting)
Questions readers ask
Which teams did Bortoleto compete for in his junior career?
He competed for Prema Powerteam, FA Racing, R-ace GP, Trident, and Invicta Racing.
What major championships has he won?
He won the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship and the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
Achievements
- Represented Prema Powerteam, FA Racing and R-ace GP
- Competed at 2025 Formula One World Championship and 2026 Formula One World Championship
- Discipline: auto racing
