Contending Team Leader Messages Rival Via Text During Pivotal Lap Discrepancies Conflict
The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix saw an exciting turn of events for the Sauber team, as rookie driver Gabriel Bortoletto secured his first points in Formula 1. The race was filled with drama, humour, and a unique request from Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley to McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
In the final stages of the race, Bortoletto found himself engaged in a thrilling battle with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso for seventh place. However, the battle took an unexpected twist when Wheatley sent a text message to Brown, humorously pleading, "Don't lap us!" The request aimed to prevent McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from lapping Bortoletto, thereby maintaining his rhythm and potentially earning additional points.
Unfortunately, McLaren declined the request, and both Norris and Piastri went on to lap Bortoletto, effectively ending his close battle with Alonso. Despite this, Wheatley later recounted the exchange with amusement, acknowledging that keeping Norris and Piastri behind could have changed the race outcome for Sauber but accepted the decision as part of racing dynamics.
Bortoletto eventually finished the race in eighth place, securing his first points in Formula 1. His teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, also finished the race, coming in ninth. The result marked a significant milestone for Sauber, as it was their first double points finish since 2023.
The Austrian Grand Prix also saw some drama on the pit wall, though the details are not specified. It's worth noting that the race was significant for McLaren as well, with Norris and Piastri engaging in a fierce battle for the win.
As the season progresses, Sauber is counting down the races before they re-brand as Audi for the 2026 season. Currently, they are in ninth place in the constructor's standings, but they are close to overtaking Aston Martin in eighth and Haas in seventh.
Interestingly, Fernando Alonso is also Bortoletto's manager, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their on-track battle. The 2025 season continues to promise exciting moments, with teams and drivers alike pushing their limits in pursuit of victory.
[1] Source: Autosport.com [2] Source: Motorsport.com [3] Source: Formula1.com [4] Source: GPBlog.com
In the midst of the battle for seventh place, Gabriel Bortoletto and Fernando Alonso found themselves engaged in a thrilling duel, reminiscent of sports' unpredictable nature. Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley humorously pleaded with McLaren CEO Zak Brown to avoid lapping Bortoletto, aiming to maintain his rhythm and potentially earn additional points.
