Rookie Bortoleto turns the tables on Hulkenberg.
"It’s a matter of confidence at the very edge"
24 September 2025 - 13:38
Nico Hulkenberg’s long-awaited first Formula 1 podium at Silverstone was one of the highlights of 2025 - yet within Sauber, the experienced driver is being quietly eclipsed by rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.
Hulkenberg, 38, has accumulated a commendable 37 points this season, placing him solidly in tenth position in the standings, well ahead of Bortoleto, who has 18 points. However, a closer examination of Saturdays reveals a different narrative. Previously recognized as a one-lap specialist, Hulkenberg has now lost to his Brazilian teammate in qualifying for seven consecutive weekends.
"It's a bit of confidence at the absolute limit that I'm lacking," Hulkenberg conceded at Baku. "Our car is not as competitive on a single lap as it is during the race. In the tightly contested midfield, mere hundredths can make all the difference."
This shortfall has been starkly apparent since the middle of the season. After narrowly outpacing Bortoleto in four of the first five races, the dynamics shifted - and the rookie has been dominant ever since.
At familiar tracks, the 20-year-old has consistently executed flawless laps, whereas Hulkenberg has frequently fallen short, even making contact with the wall in Q1 at Baku.
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley backed his veteran driver, stating, "Nico is incredibly fast over one lap and in race scenarios - truly remarkable. If you assess the data, many of these sessions have been determined by a few thousandths of a second," he shared with reporters. "There’s no fundamental issue. It’s merely a phase, and it can change in an instant."
Wheatley also commended Bortoleto. "Gabriel is a quick learner," remarked the former Red Bull sporting director. "If one of them manages to nail a lap, he wins the battle. Recently, Gabriel has been the one achieving that. However, we have upcoming races in Singapore and Las Vegas where he lacks experience. That could shift the balance."
Wheatley concluded, "We once discussed endlessly about Nico never achieving a podium, and that narrative has changed. I believe the qualifying situation will also evolve."
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