Gabriel Bortoleto gave more details about his friendship with Max Verstappen, recalling the first contacts with the four-time Formula 1 champion and how he sees the competitor.
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The Brazilian is in his second year on the grid and counts on the important support of the Red Bull main driver. It so happens that the relationship started years earlier, in 2021, when the Brazilian was racing in FRECA and, in partnership with MP Motorsport, began using Atze, a simulator where the Dutchman worked.
“In 2021 I started collaborating with Atze for the first time because I was competing in the FRECA championship with Fernando Alonso’s team. This team, in turn, was part of MP Motorsport. That’s how I ended up on Atze’s simulator,” he told De Telegraaf.
“I can say that, at first, he pressured me a lot. He was a demanding teacher. But, without a doubt, he made me a better driver. I am very grateful to him,” he continued.
It so happens that the duo’s first personal contact happened only some time later, in Monaco. At the time, Bortoleto approached Verstappen during a F1 event for advice.
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“I met him for the first time in Monaco, during the GP. I went up to him to ask for advice when I saw him walking through the paddock. I immediately realized how authentic and sincere he was,” he said.
“We developed a very beautiful bond. Not just with Max, but with everyone at Team Redline. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or if you are an F1 driver or not. We all behave the same way as five years ago,” he explained.
“Max has achieved so many things in his career, but he remains the same person. That is also an inspiration to me,” he added.
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