Major Red Bull mistake hands new F1 star championship

Fernando Alonso and Gabriel Bortoleto after his win in Formula 3 in Bahrain — Photo: © IMAGO

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Major Red Bull mistake hands new F1 star championship

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend saw a new champion crowned

By Sheona Mountford.

Sunday 8 December 2024 20:30

An incoming Formula 1 star has gone into the winter break in the best way possible, being crowned F2 champion.

The drivers’ title in the junior formula went right down to the last weekend at Yas Marina, as Gabriel Bortoleto went head-to-head with title rival Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar.

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The Brazilian driver finished the final feature race of the season in P2, which was enough to secure the title after an error for his rival.

Hadjar stalled at the start of the race and was forced to return to the pits, however when he emerged he was already two laps behind the rest of the field.

Gabriel Bortoleto claimed the F2 title in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar (right) stalled on the opening lap

Gabriel Bortoleto crowned F2 champion

However, Bortoleto will move to Sauber in 2025 where he will race alongside Nico Hulkenberg as the team opt for both youth and experience in their lineup.

“It’s the best feeling in the world. I cannot explain what I am feeling right now,” said Bortoleto.

“It’s just so much adrenaline, so much happiness. Everyone is here to support me – all my family, my sponsors, the whole of Brazil watching us and waking up at six in the morning there. I gave them back happiness on the Sunday morning.

“It’s a dream for me to win F2 in a row after F3, as a rookie. It’s just amazing and I’m not thinking right now. I’m on another planet.”

Red Bull Nico Hulkenberg Sauber Isack Hadjar Gabriel Bortoleto