Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto Hones Red Bull Skills in Gaming Sessions with Max Verstappen
Audi’s rookie Gabriel Bortoleto says he learns racecraft from Max Verstappen during their regular video‑game hang‑outs – a friendship that could shape his debut F2 season.
Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2023 FIA Formula 2 champion who will step up to Audi’s Formula 1 programme in 2025, has revealed a surprising training method: he spends his downtime playing racing video games with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Both drivers, who share a mutual respect on and off the track, have turned their gaming sessions into informal coaching clinics, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and Motorsport.com.
From the simulator to the real world
In interviews, Bortoleto explained that the pair often meet online to race on popular titles such as Gran Gran Turismo and F1 2023. While the setting is casual, the Brazilian driver says Verstappen frequently offers tips on braking points, tyre management and overtaking strategies – the very elements that have made the Dutchman a three‑time World Champion. “Max is very generous with his knowledge,” Bortoleto told the outlets. “Even in a game, he points out where I could improve my line or how to better manage the virtual tyres, and I try to apply that when I’m on the real track.”
Verstappen, who is known for his relentless work ethic, appears to enjoy the informal mentorship. Motorsport.com noted that the Dutch driver “often laughs about the sessions but takes them seriously, treating the virtual world as another data‑rich environment.” The friendship began during the 2023 F2 season when Bortoleto’s performances caught Red Bull’s eye, and it has continued as the young driver prepares for his F1 debut.
Why it matters for Indian fans
For Indian audiences, the story underscores the growing importance of simulators and esports in driver development – a trend that aligns with the country’s burgeoning gaming market. Platforms like FanCode, which streams F1 races in India, also host occasional esports events featuring F1 teams, giving local fans a chance to see their favourite drivers in a different light.
Moreover, Bortoleto’s connection with Verstappen adds another layer of intrigue to the 2025 season, where he will join the Audi RB team alongside seasoned veterans. Indian viewers can look forward to watching how the lessons learned in a virtual garage translate to on‑track performance, especially when the championship visits the Indian Grand Prix in 2026.
Fans in India can catch every race on FanCode, with live commentary available in English and Hindi. The next race featuring both drivers is the Monaco Grand Prix on 26 May, which will start at 02:00 IST. Those interested in the gaming side of the sport can also follow the F1 Esports Series, streamed on YouTube and Twitch, where both Red Bull and Audi field competitive virtual squads.
Source: Yahoo Sports