SAO PAULO (AP) — After a gap of 15 years since Brazilian Formula 1 fans last had a homegrown driver on the grid, some had been moved to come up with mascots, songs, anything to cheer for 21-year-old rookie Gabriel Bortoleto at this Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Though the pressure of racing in front of fans might have made Bortoleto’s life tougher at Interlagos, where he started from 18th and last on the grid Sunday despite his team initially saying he would be in the pit lane. A crash during Saturday’s sprint race following an attempt to overtake prevented him from qualifying.

And it got worse Sunday when the young driver crashed out on the first lap at Interlagos in what looked to be a more promising outing after he overtook three rivals in quick succession.

The season has been a ste

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