Gabriel Bortoleto handed major praise with Michael Schumacher comparison

Audi chief Mattia Binotto praised Gabriel Bortoleto, saying the young talent possesses traits that remind him of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Binotto has spent over three decades working in F1. The Italian spent 28 years with Scuderia Ferrari before taking a break from the sport, and then returned with Sauber in 2024. Over the course of his career, the Team Principal has had the pleasure of working with several talented racing drivers. One who stands out in particular is F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

During Schumacher’s dominant years at Ferrari, Binotto worked as an engineer for the prancing horse. As an integral member of the Italian outfit, Binotto learned a great deal about Schumacher, both what made him a great champion and what made him a great person.

“His work ethic. Michael is a person with great values in terms of hard work, professionalism, commitment, dedication, motivation, and passion. You can’t improvise.” Binotto told Automoto.it when asked about what he believes Schumacher’s legacy in F1 is.

Going into further detail, the Team Principal explained: “Talent is necessary, but it’s not enough. You need more. As a person, he gave his best outside the cockpit. As a pilot, he closed his visor, becoming the Michael we all saw and knew as a pilot.

“But I always thought Michael was even stronger as a person, not just for his work ethic, but for his generosity towards everyone. He gave his attention to each and every person, making us feel at ease and putting us in the ideal conditions to do our best.

“He cared about the person, the individual. Behind the cold, mathematical German you could see from the outside, there’s a man who was very attentive to human sensitivity.”

The Italian made it clear that while Schumacher was an amazing racing driver, that was only part of what made the seven-time World Champion great. What truly made the difference was how he treated those around him and who he was on a personal level.

Asked whether any of the current F1 drivers remind him of the German legend, he said: “Gabriel [Bortoleto]. For his work ethic and for being a person with great human sensitivity.”

Later, Bortoleto learned of Binotto’s praise and explained that although Schumacher wasn’t his idol growing up, he came to recognise his greatness through the many conversations with Binotto.

“Michael became an idol of mine because of him. He always talks about him. Then I started learning about him and realised how great he was.

“I hadn’t even been born yet when he won everything. Just yesterday we were talking about him, about how he treated the team.”