“The way in which he’s driving impressed me and greater than that, as I informed him, is his capability to develop, enhance and progress by the season itself. He’s doing it in his season in F2. The beginning has been tough, however then he is actually been succesful to not lose the course of what he’s to attempting to realize.
“He has proven progress this season and that is what counts essentially the most for me.”
Binotto stated he met Bortoleto a number of weeks in the past in his workplace in Hinwil and was instantly “impressed by his character, angle and mindset”. It was after that assembly that Sauber/Audi accelerated their pursuit of the Brazilian, who Binotto stated was free to depart McLaren if he bought this chance.
“I do not suppose 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 effectively – it’s essential,” he added. “So general, I’m very joyful to be right here asserting Gabriel.”
Bortoleto is managed by Fernando Alonso’s driver administration company A14. Binotto is aware of Alonso effectively from their time spent collectively at Ferrari however the Italian stated he had little or no contact with the double world champion concerning the Brazilian racer.
“I do know very effectively Fernando from my previous expertise, due to how we met within the paddock,” stated 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 feel what satisfied me was Gabriel, nothing else. So with Fernando, sure, I had as soon as a chat however actually, little or no.”
