Fernando Alonso Outwits Protégé Bortoleto in Tactical Duel at Austrian Grand Prix
At the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso once again demonstrated why he’s one of the most cerebral and tactically gifted drivers in Formula 1 history. In a thrilling late-race showdown at the Red Bull Ring, the Aston Martin driver fended off a fierce challenge from none other than his own protégé, Gabriel Bortoleto, in a battle for seventh place that was anything but straightforward.
Starting from P11, Alonso executed an offset one-stop strategy to perfection, enabling him to climb the order in the midfield and position his AMR25 within the points. But as the race entered its closing stages, a new and rather poetic challenge emerged — Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion and Alonso’s own management client, was fast approaching with fresher tyres and superior pace in his Stake F1 car.
What followed was a masterclass in defensive driving. Alonso later revealed that he employed a strategic ploy to “confuse” Bortoleto — using unpredictable braking points, defensive lines, and cleverly timed lifts — all classic tools from the Spaniard’s deep playbook. The objective wasn’t just to block Bortoleto but to mentally unsettle him, something Alonso has perfected over two decades in the sport.
Despite the pressure, Alonso managed to hold firm and secure seventh place, bringing home six valuable points for Aston Martin. Yet, his admiration for Bortoleto was evident post-race. The 19-year-old Brazilian not only scored the first F1 points of his young career with an eighth-place finish but also became the first Brazilian to score in Formula 1 since Felipe Massa’s farewell race in Abu Dhabi back in 2017.
Alonso was full of praise for the young talent, acknowledging the significance of the moment both for Bortoleto and Brazilian motorsport. “I’m proud of Gabriel — to score points so early in his F1 journey shows great promise,” Alonso said. “But today, I had to bring all my experience into play. It wasn’t personal — it was just racing.”
Interestingly, Alonso credited two other drivers for helping him maintain track position. Liam Lawson, who finished sixth after also benefiting from an alternate strategy, created a helpful buffer at key moments. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, the race winner, inadvertently played a role in sealing Alonso’s position by lapping both Alonso and Bortoleto late in the race — effectively cutting short their duel by one lap and locking in the standings.
In the end, this was more than just a fight for seventh place. It was a symbolic moment — the veteran fending off the rising star, teacher holding off student. But if Sunday’s race was any indication, Bortoleto is closing the gap quickly. For Alonso, it may have been a battle won, but the war for future dominance might just be beginning.