F1: Bortoleto jokes with Norris and reinforces focus on the category

F1: Bortoleto jokes with Norris and reinforces focus on the category

Gabriel Bortoleto made it clear that his absolute priority right now is Formula 1. Despite admitting that he enjoys driving different types of cars, the Brazilian stated that he does not intend to divide his attention with other categories, while still seeking evolution in the main category of world motorsport.

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The Audi driver addressed the topic during a press conference before the Monaco GP, when he was questioned alongside Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc about the new Gen4 Formula E car and the drivers’ interest in other motorsport disciplines. While some drivers show curiosity in exploring different experiences, Bortoleto guaranteed that his focus remains exclusively on F1.

Norris was the one who most highlighted the pleasure of competing in varied vehicles. The Briton stated that he enjoys driving touring cars, rally cars, and even motorcycles, although he has restrictions imposed by the team: “I just like racing all types of cars, to be honest. I like driving, I like cars and I like motorbikes too, but unfortunately I’m not allowed to,” he said.

The McLaren driver also revealed that he continues to drive different machines whenever possible: “I enjoyed driving F2, F3, and Rally cars. I still drive many cars these days. I drove race cars on Monday. So, as long as I don’t tell Zak Brown (McLaren CEO) and the team, I can get away with some things,” the Briton said, laughing.

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Bortoleto, in turn, adopted a more cautious stance. The Brazilian acknowledged his passion for other types of cars but emphasized that he still has much to learn in F1: “I have to have fun now, so I just want to focus here and do my job. I still have a lot to improve here,” he added.

Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) Audi F1 Team.

The Audi driver reiterated that he does not consider it appropriate to divert his attention from the current challenges: “I don’t think I should take my focus away from Formula 1, even though I also love driving other cars. I think my focus should only be here.” Then the Brazilian joked with Norris, recalling the title won by the Briton in 2025: “Lando has already won the world title. So he can do all these things, but not for me,” he concluded, laughing.

Leclerc also spoke on the topic and admitted not following the recent changes in Formula E very closely. The Ferrari driver only observed that the cars seem to generate more downforce, which he considers positive for the category. However, he agreed with Bortoleto’s view and emphasized that, at this moment, focusing exclusively on Formula 1 already represents more than enough of a challenge.

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