Virtuosi have signed Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini to race for the team in 2024 F2 season.
Bortoleto will step up to F2 as the reigning F3 champion after he dominated his rookie campaign in the third-tier, which saw him secure a place in McLaren’s Driver Development programme.
The 19 year-old Brazilian is “very excited” to graduate into F2 but isn’t setting one specific aim as he explained: “They have a winning history, having secured the runner-up position in the team championship three times, and together, our goal will be to aim for the best positions for the team.
“In 2023, they achieved pole positions and victories, and I hope to build a strong and consistent story with them throughout the year.
“We will have a new car in the championship, and our first challenge will be to adapt quickly and efficiently to start the year on a high note.”
Bortoleto also reflected upon his progress as he added: “I am coming from a season of significant personal growth, culminating in the FIA F3 title. I hope to continue this process of evolution as a driver in 2024 and naturally become a victorious driver in the next stages of my career.”
Maini meanwhile moves across from Campos where he finished 11th in this season’s standings and claimed one podium finish – which came in the Australian Sprint.
“I’m super excited and grateful to be joining Invicta Virtuosi Racing for the 2024 FIA Formula 2 championship. commented Maini who believes that he can develop further with the team who took Jack Doohan to third in this season’s championship.
“They have a great pedigree in Formula 2 and, prior to that, in GP2, and I am looking forward to growing further as a racing driver with the team.”
Virtuosi Team Principal, Andy Roche is “delighted” to sign Bortoleto who he praised for his impressive “… consistency throughout his rookie campaign in Formula 3 impressed everyone and earned him a convincing and thoroughly deserved championship victory.”
Bortoleto has already visited Virtuosi at their factory and maintained regular contact with the team to ensure that he is prepared for the post-season test with “a good impression”, which will mark his first taste of new F2 machinery
Roche meanwhile applauded Maini for how quickly he adapted to F2 this season and achieved “good results” across the campaign, whilst acknowledging that the Indian driver’s “mentality and approach align well with ours.
“He has shown dedication and an impressive work effort, and we look forward to helping him add to his F2 podium tally as he continues to improve as a racing driver.”
Leave a Reply