Gabriel Bortoleto and Andrea Kimi Antonelli joked that Max Verstappen is the “dad of the rookies” whereas reflecting on the four-time champion’s help throughout their rookie Method 1 seasons.
Each drivers have beforehand spoken in regards to the help from the Dutchman. Bortoleto and Verstappen have been mates for a while, with them sharing a ardour for sim racing and the Pink Bull driver typically giving the Sauber rookie recommendation.
Antonelli has additionally spoken about Verstappen’s help after receiving on-line abuse following Norris’s overtake of the Italian driver through the Qatar Grand Prix. This resulted in two extra factors for the Briton whereas Verstappen gained the race.
“My entire household in Brazil, it is simply nice. They haven’t been in a position to journey a lot this yr to return to see me, however the races that they’ve been round, it was all the time nice. And from different drivers as nicely, you see Fernando [Alonso] there additionally, you recognize, Max [has given] numerous help within the background. So, yeah, it is nice,” Bortoleto informed F1 when requested about help from his household and different F1 drivers.
Antonelli added of Verstappen: “Yeah, he is provided his help. I feel Max has been very supportive to all of the rookies. How do they name him? The dad of the rookies. Nevertheless it’s been nice. Additionally Lewis [Hamilton], however everybody, to be sincere, appeared to have embraced the actual fact that there have been so many rookies on the grid.
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Group, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Picture by: Anni Graf – Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs
“They confirmed their help of their means, after which [also] having my household. I imply, my dad has been there the entire season and infrequently my full household was there as nicely. So, it has been nice and I feel it is the form of help you want, particularly in your first season of Method 1.”
Each Antonelli and Bortoleto have confirmed contracts to return for his or her sophomore years within the championship with Mercedes and Audi (previously Sauber), respectively.
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