Nico Hulkenberg dismissed notions that he’ll be a mentor to Sauber team-mate and Formula 1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto in 2025.
After several months searching for the driver to partner Hulkenberg at Sauber, the Swiss-based outfit settled on then-Formula 2 title contend Gabriel Bortoleto last November.
Bortoleto went on to clinch the 2024 Formula 2 title at the season-finale in Abu Dhabi, following the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in becoming a back-to-back rookie champion in junior formula.
The Brazilian now enters the F1 fold with Hulkenberg on the other side of the garage.
Hulkenberg boasts 227 Grand Prix starts and Motorsport Week asked the German in an exclusive conversation ahead of the Las Vegas GP whether he was looking forward to mentoring his rookie team-mate.
“I don’t think that when you’re team-mates that you’re really a mentor to your team-mate, even if you’re the older one and the more experienced one,” Hulkenberg replied.
“But at the end of the day it’s competition, even if you’re in the same team and if you race for the team.
“I want to do a good job for [Sauber], but also for myself and my own career.
“So, I just look forward to the work there and to the challenge.”
So, rather than mentoring, Hulkenberg will be leaning into the old adage of making sure he beats his team-mate ahead of anyone else this coming F1 season.
Bortoleto then, will have a big task on his hands keeping up with his veteran team-mate.
Hulkenberg positive after first day back at Sauber
Hulkenberg made his return to Sauber during the 2024 post-season test at Abu Dhabi, having last raced for the Swiss team in 2013.
The German driver performed well, setting the fourth fastest time, approximately nine-tenths faster than Sauber team-mate Bortoleto, who was making his F1 debut.
Speaking after the test, Hulkenberg said: “The first day together is now behind us and I think today has been a productive and positive start – we were able to take care of the basics and begin working together as a team.
“It was generally very useful to get a first impression of the car. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in the new year and really diving into the work ahead of us.
“I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and I can‘t wait to get back to this in 2025.”
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