Bortoleto eyes emulating ‘crazy’ support for F1 rival

Gabriel Bortoleto is hopeful he will receive a similar level of support to fellow South American Franco Colpainto during his rookie F1 season.

Colapinto was called up to race for Williams in the second half of last season and experienced mass support from Argentine fans both online and at grands prix held in neighbouring countries.

Bortoleto is embarking on his rookie F1 campaign this year following his title win in Formula 2, becoming the first full-time Brazilian driver since Felipe Massa in 2017.

Driving for Stake F1 alongside Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto will look to help lift the Hinwil-based squad off the bottom of the pecking order.

As he aims to do so, the Brazilian acknowledges he will have pressure on his shoulders from Brazilian fans.

“That was quite crazy, what happened with Franco,” Bortoleto told media including RacingNews365. 

“I could see sometimes a lot of fans outside his team, waiting for him and queuing.

“And I think Brazilians are not different. They are very warm people, and they have been waiting a long time for a Brazilian F1 driver after, seven or eight years since Felipe left.

“There’s going to be a lot of expectations from fans from Brazil, and hopefully I will see them at a lot of races, supporting me and the team.

“I’m excited for that, I'm glad that I can represent my country in the biggest series of motorsports in the world.

“I’m just glad for that, and hopefully we will see a lot of Brazilian fans around.”

Bortoleto will make his F1 debut in Australia next month and is set to experience his home round from Sao Paulo in November.