Bortoleto reflects on ‘special’ first Q3 appearance

Kick Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto achieved a career-first by qualifying P8 for the Austrian Grand Prix, marking his debut in Q3. This significant milestone at the Red Bull Ring, a track where the Brazilian boasts impressive junior career success, including F2 and F3 podiums, signals a strong weekend for the points-less driver. Bortoleto outqualified teammate Nico Hulkenberg and expressed confidence, despite acknowledging the challenge of lining up near a potentially recovering Max Verstappen and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. His consistent top-10 pace throughout practice sessions suggests a genuine opportunity to score his first F1 points.