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- Nico said if they were any closer they'd be lovers.
- —Jamie Nonis, F1 journalist
Gabico is the slash ship between drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg from the Formula 1 fandom.
Canon[]
For the 2025 Formula One season, Kick Sauber signed veteran driver Nico Hülkenberg alongside rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, marking the Brazilian’s debut in the sport.[1],[2] Hülkenberg, one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, quickly dismissed the idea that he would adopt a mentoring role with his younger teammate.[3]
- I don’t think that when you’re team-mates that you’re really a mentor to your team-mate, even if you’re the older one and the more experienced one. But at the end of the day it’s competition, even if you’re in the same team and if you race for the team. I want to do a good job for [Sauber], but also for myself and my own career.
In contrast, it was Bortoleto who began sharing telemetry data and setup tips with his teammate. When asked why he took this approach despite Hülkenberg not reciprocating, Bortoleto replied: “Nico, we are P19 and P20.” Hülkenberg later praised his teammate’s attitude and ability, stating:
- Very good. I think we get on really well – he’s a really nice guy, a smart kid, fast as hell! He learns really quickly. He did his first race sim here at the test, so I look forward to work alongside him.
- —Nico about Gabriel
The two became closer when Hülkenberg injured his eye during testing, and Bortoleto went into his room with the medicine bag to help him. Bortoleto stated that this was when Hülkenberg started liking him.
Bortoleto and Hülkenberg frequently compete in similar positions at the lower end of the midfield, with both drivers struggling against the limitations of the Kick Sauber package. Their performance relative to one another was closely scrutinized: Hülkenberg’s experience often translated into consistency during qualifying sessions, while Bortoleto’s adaptability and rapid learning curve allowed him to make notable gains during race stints. Although they occasionally found themselves racing each other directly, both drivers generally avoided intra-team incidents, instead focusing on maximizing results against rival teams.
Moments[]
- During a video for Kick Sauber social media, Hülkenberg joked about Bortoleto's neck being small and said that Bortoleto will be "at Melbourne kaput." Bortoleto responded by stating that Hülkenberg could be his "grand fu**ing father."
- After Hülkenberg secured his first podium, Bortoleto ran to congratulate him, which cameras (and fans) caught.
- During the celebration, it was Bortoleto who called Hülkenberg's family (wife and daughter) so they could celebrate together.
Quotes[]
- “I have to say that it's the closest, most collaborative driver pairing I think I can even remember in all my time in Formula 1.”
- — Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber team principal
- “They're so close that Nico said if they were any closer they would be lovers.”
- — Jamie Nonis, F1 journalist
- “Nico, it's Gabi. You have no idea how happy I am for you, you're a legend, absolutely insane what you did today, I'll be waiting for you on the podium.”
- — Gabriel to Nico
- “He is helping me a lot. I have learned and continue to learn a lot from him, and when you have a good relationship with someone, I think it comes naturally to share some of their joy, so it felt natural to go under the podium to celebrate with him.”
- — Gabriel about Nico's podium in Silverstone
- “It is competitive, but it is also in the interest of the team and helping each other, balancing off each other. So it's been very positive and enjoyable.”
- — Nico about his relationship with Gabriel
- “I believe we were made to be together.”
- — Gabriel to Nico
- “Old man calm down. You could be my grand fucking father.”
- — Gabriel to Nico
Fanon[]
A spike in popularity for this ship came after Hülkenberg's first podium, which happened during the 2025 British GP,[5] especially after Bortoleto, who DNF-ed, radioed Hülkenberg to congratulate him.
- Nico, it's Gabi. You have no idea how happy I am for you, you're a legend, absolutely insane what you did today, I'll be waiting for you on the podium.
- —Gabriel to Nico
The ship is the most popular for Gabriel Bortoleto,[7] and the second most popular for Nico Hülkenberg, the first being Haasbands - Kevin Magnussen/Nico Hülkenberg.[8]
Fandom[]
- FAN FICTION
- Nico/Gabriel tag on AO3
- Nico & Gabriel tag on AO3
Trivia[]
- Both tease the other with a nickname, Nico calls Gabi 'Gabriela' and Gabi calls Nico 'Nicoletta'.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/analysis-why-sauber-chose-to-go-with-bortoleto-and-youth-rather-than-bottas.57zoMnsyworVqAJfTN2h0b
- ↑ https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/half-term-report-kick-saubers-best-and-worst-moments-from-2025-so-far-and.3xnnSm8VvNSF8h6H4vvnwL
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/23/exclusive-nico-hulkenberg-dismisses-taking-on-sauber-mentor-role-to-gabriel-bortoleto/
- ↑ https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hulkenberg-praises-fast-as-hell-rookie-team-mate-bortoleto-as-he-assesses.6XjGMlFX034K4sBZ2bXoje
- ↑ https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/silverstone-lowdown-all-the-key-moments-as-norris-triumphs-at-home-and.4megR1iEI2nJ9BbCQC9Uwh
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/comments/1lt5hsl/gabi_nico_its_gabi_you_have_no_idea_how_happy_i/
- ↑ https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Gabriel%20Bortoleto/works
- ↑ https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Nico%20H%C3%BClkenberg/works
[]
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