Overview

• Alonso, who manages Bortoleto while racing alongside him, hailed the rookie’s sixth-place finish at the Hungaroring as evidence of his rapid development.
• He described the 20-year-old Brazilian as the best rookie of his generation and a generational talent in Formula 1.
• Alonso argued that British media bias has kept Bortoleto’s achievements underreported and said the driver would dominate coverage if he were English.
• Bortoleto has scored points in three of his last four grands prix and has begun regularly matching and often outpacing veteran teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
• His recent results have strengthened Sauber’s midfield push and brought the team closer to Williams in the constructors’ standings ahead of its 2026 Audi partnership.