Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto took to the track with Sauber, sharing their impressions after the test day in Abu Dhabi.
Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, amidst many new offerings, showcased the new Sauber driver pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The first brings a wealth of experience, while the young Brazilian brings fresh energy, fresh off his victory in the Formula 2 championship.
A positive day for both drivers, who, of course, shared positive comments about their approach with the new team and its members. Here’s Hulkenberg’s comment: “The first day together is behind us, and I think today was a productive and positive start.We were able to focus on the key areas and begin working together as a team. Overall, it was very useful to get a first impression of the car. I look forward to building on this momentum in the new year and diving into the work ahead. I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome, and I can’t wait to get back to work in 2025.”
There was also great excitement for Bortoleto, who finished in 18th place, completing 130 laps. The Brazilian said: “Today was my first day as a Formula 1 driver, and it’s an incredible feeling. Overall, I think the test session went well: I focused on adapting to the car, learning as much as possible, and getting used to the engineers, mechanics, and all the team members.
We can say the first day in my new role was positive. Formula 1 cars are much faster, it’s definitely very different from Formula 2, but I’m looking forward to facing this new chapter. I’m even prouder to be part of this team, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together next year.”
Fhoto: X Stake Sauber F1 Team
