📉 Bortoleto Outqualifies Hülkenberg 13–7 in 2025
In what might look like a surprising stat on paper, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has outqualified veteran Nico Hülkenberg a staggering 13 times in 20 races this season—including each of the last eight consecutive rounds.
Despite the disparity in Saturday results, Sauber’s Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley remains unfazed:
“I personally don't feel there's any fundamental issue here... Nico is a tremendously experienced and fast racing driver.”
🏆 Experience Over Saturdays?
The numbers could easily fuel criticism of Hülkenberg. But context matters. The 38-year-old finally ended his infamous no-podium streak with a P3 finish at Silverstone, and currently sits 10th in the Drivers’ Championship, eight places and 19 points ahead of Bortoleto.
Wheatley downplayed the qualifying imbalance, stating:
“Many times he's been out-qualified by thousandths or hundredths. It's not always a big thing.”
🚀 Bortoleto: Familiar Circuits, Fast Learning
Let’s not ignore Gabriel Bortoleto’s rise. The 2024 F2 champion has made five Q3 appearances in 2025—impressive for a rookie in a midfield car.
His recent qualifying run includes beating Hülkenberg at tracks like:
- Austria
- Silverstone
- Spa
- Zandvoort
- Monza
- Baku
All of these were part of his F2 campaign, giving him a slight edge in circuit familiarity.
“He's wise beyond his years,” said Wheatley. “When the car’s capable, he delivers.”
🧠 Maturity Beyond the Results
While race-day performances haven’t always converted into big points for Bortoleto, it’s his attitude and adaptability that’s impressed Sauber.
“He handled the [Zandvoort] debrief brilliantly after a frustrating race,” Wheatley noted. “I couldn’t ask for more from a young driver.”
This suggests Sauber sees long-term potential in the 20-year-old Brazilian—and they’re not reading too much into Hülkenberg’s qualifying dip.
🎮 Back Your Favourite Driver with KXZ Store!
Whether you’re team Hülkenberg or backing rising star Bortoleto, you can power up your race weekend with KXZ Store — the go-to platform for game top-ups and digital gift cards.
Traveling to the next Grand Prix? Fund your trip and race day entertainment with ease—grab a gift card from KXZ and enjoy the race anywhere in the world.