Fernando Alonso’s management agency, A14 Management, has played a crucial role in Gabriel Bortoleto’s progression in motorsport, though Alonso himself had minimal influence over Sauber’s decision to sign the Brazilian driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Bortoleto, 20, will partner Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, marking an important step in his career. While Bortoleto is the first driver managed by Alonso to reach Formula 1, the team’s choice to sign him was primarily based on their own assessment of the driver, rather than any direct input from Alonso.
Sauber spent months considering their driver options, with Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher among the candidates. However, Alonso highlighted Bortoleto’s potential, describing him as an extremely promising talent. Alonso pointed out the intense pressure on Brazilian drivers in Formula 1, emphasizing that Bortoleto needed the right environment and timing to develop properly. His comments reflected his belief in giving Bortoleto time to mature in the sport and avoid any rush that could harm his growth.
Bortoleto’s signing is a major achievement for Alonso’s A14 Management, which he founded three years ago with the mission to guide young drivers from karting to Formula 1. The agency aims to instill the necessary values for success in motorsport, and Bortoleto’s move to F1 represents a significant milestone for the agency’s strategy of nurturing and supporting emerging talent in the sport.
Despite Alonso’s involvement in managing Bortoleto, Sauber’s decision was not influenced by Alonso’s advocacy. Mattia Binotto, Audi F1 chief, clarified that Alonso had little to no impact on the decision-making process. While they briefly spoke in the paddock, Binotto confirmed that Bortoleto’s raw talent was the deciding factor for the team, and not any effort by Alonso to sway their choice.
Bortoleto, for his part, is eager to race alongside Alonso, who began his F1 career three years before Bortoleto was born. The young Brazilian has expressed appreciation for Alonso’s guidance and mentorship along the way. As they now share the F1 grid, Bortoleto looks forward to the opportunity of racing with Alonso, noting the special connection between them as they both enter the sport at different stages of their careers.
