Gabriel Bortoleto and Andrea Kimi Antonelli joked that Max Verstappen is the “dad of the rookies” while reflecting on the four-time champion’s support during their rookie Formula 1 seasons.

Both drivers have previously spoken about the support from the Dutchman. Bortoleto and Verstappen have been friends for some time, with them sharing a passion for sim racing and the Red Bull driver often giving the Sauber rookie advice.

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Antonelli has also spoken about Verstappen’s support after receiving online abuse following Norris’s overtake of the Italian driver during the Qatar Grand Prix. This resulted in two more points for the Briton while Verstappen won the race.

“My whole family in Brazil, it’s just great. They have not been able to travel much this year to come to see me, but the races that they have been around, it was always great. And from other drivers as well, you see Fernando [Alonso] there also, you know, Max [has given] quite a lot of support in the background. So, yeah, it’s great,” Bortoleto told F1 when asked about support from his family and other F1 drivers.

Antonelli added of Verstappen: “Yeah, he’s offered his support. I think Max has been very supportive to all the rookies. How do they call him? The dad of the rookies. But it’s been great. Also Lewis [Hamilton], but everyone, to be honest, seemed to have embraced the fact that there were so many rookies on the grid.

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

“They showed their support in their way, and then [also] having my family. I mean, my dad has been there the whole season and occasionally my full family was there as well. So, it’s been great and I think it’s the kind of support you need, especially in your first season of Formula 1.”

Both Antonelli and Bortoleto have confirmed contracts to return for their sophomore years in the championship with Mercedes and Audi (formerly Sauber), respectively.

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