“The way in which he’s driving impressed me and greater than that, as I advised him, is his capability to develop, enhance and progress via the season itself. He’s doing it in his season in F2. The beginning has been troublesome, however then he is actually been succesful to not lose the path of what he’s to attempting to realize.
“He has proven progress this season and that is what counts probably the most for me.”
Binotto mentioned he met Bortoleto a couple of weeks in the past in his workplace in Hinwil and was instantly “impressed by his persona, perspective and mindset”. It was after that assembly that Sauber/Audi accelerated their pursuit of the Brazilian, who Binotto mentioned was free to go away McLaren if he received this chance.
ANALYSIS: Why Sauber selected to go along with Bortoleto and youth relatively than Bottas and expertise
“I do not assume he is solely a unbelievable, high-potential driver, however he is an amazing, nice particular person, too, and that is one thing for our undertaking as properly – it’s essential,” he added. “So total, I’m very blissful to be right here saying Gabriel.”
Bortoleto is managed by Fernando Alonso’s driver administration company A14. Binotto is aware of Alonso properly from their time spent collectively at Ferrari however the Italian mentioned he had little or no contact with the double world champion relating to the Brazilian racer.
“I do know very properly Fernando from my previous expertise, due to how we met within the paddock,” mentioned Binotto. “However he by no means influenced, by no means tried to come back to me with a convincing argument as a result of I believe what satisfied me was Gabriel, nothing else. So with Fernando, sure, I had as soon as a chat however actually, little or no.”
