Binotto divulges Alonso influence in Bortoleto F1 decision

Mattia Binotto has asserted Fernando Alonso has had little interference in Gabriel Bortoleto's signature with the Stake team.

Bortoleto has been part of Alonso's A14 Management driver programme for several years.

The Brazilian driver will join the grid next year alongside Nico Hulkenberg ahead of the Hinwil-based squad's transition to Audi in 2026.

Bortoleto is currently leading the Formula 2 championship in his rookie season, having joined the field following title success in Formula 3.

Asked by media including RacingNews365 about how involved Alonso was in talks, Binotto replied: “The answer is very easy: Very little, if nothing.

“I know very well Fernando from past experience. We met in the paddock but he never influenced [the decision].

“He never tried really to come to me with a convincing argument because I think what convinced me was Gabriel, nothing else.

“So not with Fernando. Yes, I had one chat, but really, very, very little.”

Bortoleto is one of several rookies on next year's F1 grid and voiced his excitement about being able to race in the sport against his mentor.

“We always joke about it, to be honest, because before I was born, he started racing in F1 and now I'm getting there,” Bortoleto said. “I'm going to drive with him.

“Hopefully we have, we have a good time in F1 together. He has been helping me a lot in my journey, teaching me a lot of stuff.”