After a dominant display in the Formula 3 championship, Gabriel Bortoleto has earned a well-deserved promotion to the McLaren Formula 2 team for the upcoming 2024 season. Bortoleto’s impressive debut campaign in 2023 saw him clinch the F3 title with Trident, winning twice and consistently scoring points throughout the season. His performance caught the attention of McLaren, leading to his inclusion in the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Programme. Now, the 19-year-old Brazilian talent is set to showcase his skills in the highly competitive F2 series.
As McLaren ushers in a new era with the introduction of the Dallara chassis, Bortoleto will face the challenge of adapting quickly to the changes. The previous model, which had been in use since 2018, will be replaced for the 2024 season. McLaren’s team principal, Andy Roche, expressed his delight at having Bortoleto join the squad and praised the young driver’s consistency and well-deserved championship victory in F3. The team has been impressed by Bortoleto’s adaptability, and there is eagerness to witness his continued growth and development as he makes the transition to Formula 2.
Setting Ambitious Goals
Bortoleto has set ambitious goals for his maiden season in Formula 2, stating that his aim is to achieve the best possible results for the team. He aspires to create a strong and consistent story with McLaren throughout the year. The young driver acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the new car, but his successful season in F3 and personal growth have instilled him with confidence. Bortoleto’s ultimate ambition is to emerge as a victorious driver, driving him towards further success in his career.
Kush Maini: A Solid Debut Season Propels Him to McLaren
Joining Bortoleto at the McLaren Formula 2 team is Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini. Maini brings his experience from a solid rookie season, where he finished 11th in the standings with a podium finish in Melbourne. McLaren’s team principal, Roche, praised Maini’s immediate impact and impressive results in 2023. Maini’s dedication and work ethic align well with the team’s values, and there is enthusiasm for his continuous improvement as a racing driver.
A Winning Legacy
McLaren’s Formula 2 team, Virtuosi, concluded the 2023 season on a high note with a victory in Abu Dhabi. Jack Doohan, who clinched his third feature race win, finished the season in third place behind Theo Pourchaire and Frederik Vesti. The team has a strong pedigree in the championship, having secured second place in the teams’ standings in previous years. In 2020, Callum Ilott narrowly missed out on the drivers’ championship, finishing as the runner-up. With a winning culture and history of success, the McLaren Formula 2 team aims to build on their achievements in the upcoming season.
As the 2024 Formula 2 season approaches, excitement is growing around the McLaren team. The inclusion of Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini brings a fresh wave of talent and potential to the squad. With a new Dallara chassis and promising young drivers at their disposal, McLaren is prepared to embark on a successful campaign in the intensely competitive series. The Formula 2 championship has long been a breeding ground for future Formula 1 stars, and McLaren aims to hone the abilities of their young drivers as they navigate their paths towards the pinnacle of motorsport.
Leave a Reply