Stake’s Jonathan Wheatley sees shared traits between Bortoleto and Verstappen
Stake F1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley has offered a notable comparison between Max Verstappen and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, highlighting a common thread: innate speed and surplus capacity behind the wheel. Wheatley, who worked closely with Verstappen during the Dutchman’s title run at Red Bull, now oversees Bortoleto as he settles into F1 ahead of the team’s transition to Audi.
What links them
- Natural pace: “Both are inherently, naturally fast,” Wheatley noted.
- Mental bandwidth: Each can drive at the limit while processing the wider race picture.
- Relentless work ethic: Simulator stints—even around race weekends—underline their dedication.
Different stages, similar hunger
Wheatley stressed the context: Verstappen arrived at Red Bull after a strong apprenticeship at Toro Rosso; Bortoleto is at the beginning of his F1 journey. Yet both share the ultra-competitive streak and a desire to find every advantage, on and off the track.
As Audi’s debut looms next year, Stake believes Bortoleto’s traits provide a solid foundation for growth—echoes of a champion, tailored to a rookie’s learning curve.
