Rookie F1 driver compared to Max Verstappen: 'Both are inherently fast'

Stake F1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley has offered a comparison between four-time champion Max Verstappen and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

Wheatley worked with Verstappen for several years when he held a senior position at Red Bull, playing a crucial role in the Dutchman's run of four consecutive titles.

The Briton took up a new post at Stake as team principal and will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the squad when it becomes Audi next year.

Bortoleto, as well as team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, are already confirmed to race for the German outfit during its first season in F1. The Brazilian has impressed during his rookie campaign, with Wheatley spotting similarities in their traits.

“I always find it difficult to compare drivers because everyone’s an individual,” Wheatley told media including RacingNews365. “What would I say about both of them? 

“Both are inherently, naturally fast. Actually, both race each other on the simulator either side of a race weekend as well.

“And both just seem to have that capacity to drive the car but have loads more capacity left to think about the rest of the situation.”

Verstappen is known to have a deep adoration for racing and is often on his simulator at home when he is not at a grand prix weekend.

He is also dipping his toes into endurance racing this weekend with a four-hour outing at the Nordshliefe. 

Although Verstappen and Bortoleto are racing at different parts of the F1 pecking order, Wheatley acknowledged the level of competitiveness the pair share.

“Obviously, looking back to Max, he’d already served a pretty good apprenticeship at Toro Rosso at the time before he came to Red Bull,” he said.

“I’ve known his father, I’ve known the family for years. 

“I’ve known Max since he was a tiny little boy. And I’ve just got to meet Gabriel. But it’s the same thing, these guys are ultra-competitive, and they’re looking for every single advantage in everything. 

“They both share a great work ethic and a love for racing. Both of them, given an opportunity, are driving something else or on a simulator.