Gabriel Bortoleto had another F1 test run in Imola under the TPC programme ahead of F1 2025, where Visa Cash App RB drivers had their own test run.
After his last time in the Sauber machinery in Abu Dhabi, F1 rookie Bortoleto had another go in the old machinery – first of 2025 – at Imola, to continue his preparation. The test took place under FIA’s Testing Previous Car programme, as teams continue to utilise the test to help its drivers.
The track was shared with Visa Cash App RB drivers, who had both of its regulars alongside reserve, unlike Sauber, who seemingly only ran Bortoleto. It is not clear if Nico Hulkenberg was at the scene, but it is unlikely for the German to be there without driving the F1 car.
As for Visa Cash App RB, it was Yuki Tsunoda who started the team’s TPC programme on Day 1. He was followed by new teammate and another F1 rookie Isack Hadjar, with Ayumu Iwasa completing the three-day test, which has become a norm for the Faenza-based outfit in the winter.
While Sauber shared a video of Bortoleto speaking after the test, Visa Cash App RB chose to keep their run private. There were some photos and videos from fans present near Imola, which showcased test livery on the F1 cars. The former ran an all-black livery, while the latter had black and white formation.
The Imola test co-incided with Ferrari’s run at Fiorano with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Apart from these three F1 teams, Mercedes and Haas had their TPC run too at Jerez last week, where the former didn’t document while the latter did so.
Outside the track run, the factory visit scene continued for seat fitting and various meetings, as Liam Lawson dropped at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base for the first time in 2025 after the announcement of his F1 drive with the outfit.
He joined the likes of Hamilton, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who all had their factory too to kick-start the new journey. The coming weeks will see more visits and TPC running ahead of F1 2025 start.
Here’s Gabriel Bortoleto: https://x.com/stakef1team_ks/status/1882479071696973889
Here’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi leaving Sauber
Here’s Mattia Binotto on Sauber in survival mode
Here’s Mattia Binotto on 2030 challenge
Here’s Nico Hulkenberg not worried about Sauber pace
Here’s Gabriel Bortoleto on securing F1 drive
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