Gabriel Bortoleto has opened up about the professional discipline he learned from Max Verstappen during their countless hours together on racing simulators. The Kick Sauber rookie, who will make his Formula 1 debut in 2025, explained how the four-time world champion’s meticulous virtual racing habits have fundamentally reshaped his own preparation methods. What began as casual sim racing sessions between friends evolved into masterclasses that taught Bortoleto the psychological value of treating every simulated moment as seriously as real track time.
Verstappen’s unexpected professionalism in virtual racing
The friendship between Verstappen and Bortoleto has grown significantly over recent years, with both drivers regularly sharing simulator time to hone their craft. They frequently use modified versions of Assetto Corsa to prepare for Grand Prix weekends, replicating track conditions and race scenarios with remarkable accuracy. During an interview with Pelas Pistas, Bortoleto was asked to compare Verstappen’s approach on the simulator versus his aggressive reputation in actual competition.
“He drives much more respectfully on the sim. He actually leaves space when we’re racing side-by-side,” Bortoleto joked initially, before turning serious. “No, I think he drives in real life the same way he does on the sim. This is what I appreciate about him, and it’s an approach I’ve adopted myself.”
The Brazilian rookie admitted his own simulator habits used to be far less disciplined. Before observing Verstappen’s methods, Bortoleto treated virtual racing as consequence-free entertainment where mistakes didn’t matter and the reset button was always available.
The mental training philosophy behind serious sim work
Bortoleto’s revelation centers on a crucial distinction between casual sim racing and purposeful training. He explained that his previous approach involved deliberately throwing the car into spins and taking unrealistic risks, reasoning that the virtual environment carried no real consequences. Verstappen’s contrasting methodology completely altered that perspective.
“I saw that Max never did that,” Bortoleto continued. “So I started taking it seriously at home, and I don’t do stupid things anymore. Of course, you can still have fun with your friends and occasionally send a divebomb. But when you’re racing at the limit and you have to catch a moment of oversteer and you actually do it instead of deliberately spinning, you’re training your brain what to do in that situation.”
This philosophy represents a fundamental shift in how Bortoleto approaches simulator work. Rather than viewing it as mere entertainment or basic familiarization with circuit layouts, he now recognizes each virtual session as an opportunity to program instinctive reactions for real-world scenarios. The muscle memory and split-second decision-making developed during these serious simulator sessions directly translate to performance under genuine racing conditions.
Building championship-level instincts through repetition
The distinction Bortoleto draws highlights a broader truth about elite-level motorsport preparation. Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 stems partly from his ability to blur the lines between simulation and reality, treating both with identical intensity. When practice becomes indistinguishable from competition in terms of mental commitment, the transition between environments becomes seamless.
For Bortoleto, this lesson arrived at a crucial moment in his career trajectory. As he prepares for his Formula 1 debut alongside experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg at Kick Sauber, the Brazilian recognizes that every advantage matters. The neural pathways established through disciplined simulator work could prove decisive when facing the immense pressure and speed of actual Formula 1 machinery.
Verstappen’s sim racing dedication is well-documented throughout the paddock. Even during race weekends, the Red Bull driver can often be found participating in online competitions or testing setups virtually. What separates his approach from casual engagement is the consistent professionalism he maintains regardless of whether the session counts toward championship points or serves purely as preparation.
What this approach means for Bortoleto’s F1 preparation
As Bortoleto transitions from Formula 2 champion to Formula 1 competitor, the lessons absorbed from Verstappen’s simulator discipline provide a blueprint for maximizing limited track time. Modern Formula 1 regulations severely restrict testing opportunities, placing enormous importance on mental preparation and virtual practice. Drivers who can extract genuine learning from simulator sessions arrive at race weekends with advantages that extend beyond simple circuit familiarity.
The mental conditioning aspect Bortoleto described—training his brain to instinctively correct slides rather than accepting failure—could prove particularly valuable during his adaptation period. Rookie seasons inevitably involve moments where cars behave unexpectedly or situations develop faster than anticipated. Drivers whose responses are conditioned through serious repetition rather than casual practice tend to navigate these challenges more successfully.
Bortoleto’s willingness to learn from Verstappen’s methodical preparation approach suggests the maturity that helped him secure his Formula 1 opportunity. As he prepares to face the grid’s established stars in 2025, the Brazilian carries insights gained not just from his own championship success but from observing how Formula 1’s most dominant current driver approaches every aspect of his craft with uncompromising seriousness.
