Gabriel Bortoleto stated that his friendship with Max Verstappen remains strong, but acknowledged that a direct battle for the Formula 1 title would naturally change the relationship between the two. The Brazilian believes that their interaction off the track would continue to be positive, although the rivalry for the championship would make the dynamic different.
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In his second season in the category, the first since Audi officially completed the transformation of Sauber, Bortoleto continues to maintain a close relationship with the four-time world champion. Their friendship began years before they shared the same grid in Formula 1.
Speaking in an interview with Automoto.it, the Brazilian driver explained that, so far, he and Verstappen have rarely fought for the same results in races. Therefore, the friendship has never been tested by the competitiveness that normally exists between direct rivals.
According to Bortoleto, a championship battle scenario would inevitably change this situation. In the Brazilian’s view, Verstappen would probably stop sharing guidance as he does currently, since both would be defending opposing interests in the fight for the title.
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“Max is a friend of mine. On the track, we have never really been fighting for the same result, except for a few occasions in the last two seasons. When you are fighting for a world championship, things get much harder. He probably wouldn’t help me the way he does today,” he said.
Despite this possibility, Bortoleto believes that the friendship remains intact as long as there is no direct rivalry for the championship. The young driver highlighted that he still sees Verstappen as someone he enjoys spending time with off the track.
“For now, I can still see him as a friend, someone I can go out for a drink or eat something with when we are back home, someone I can have fun with. He is also always willing to give me advice,” concluded the Brazilian.
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