Audi Driver Gabriel Bortoleto Reflects on Qualifying Crash in Monaco

At the Monaco Grand Prix, Audi’s power deficit was less than a deterrent, making the weekend a prime chance for the team to add to its modest points tally.

Both Gabriel Bortoleto and veteran teammate Nico Hulkenberg finished all three practice sessions inside the top 10, hinting at what could be possible in qualifying and the race.

During Q1, Bortoleto clipped the inside barrier at the Nouvelle Chicane, compromising his front‑left suspension and prompting a red flag. He retired after a lap that would have placed him comfortably in Q2.

When asked why he took the risk, the 21‑year‑old Brazilian took full responsibility.

“It was a very tiny touch, but it wasn’t even about the touch,” Bortoleto said. “The question is why I should take that much risk in that corner when we’ve seen other drivers already break the suspension there.”

He added, “In Q1 there was no need to push that hard. I would understand such a mistake in Q2 or Q3, but in Q1 I missed the mark. I need to re‑analyse why I was pushing so early.”

“We had a car that could comfortably navigate Q1, so a little more margin was possible to build confidence,” he said.

Hulkenberg, meanwhile, faced a tight four‑car battle in Q3, which was ultimately won by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.

Despite the illness, Audi noted it could have achieved a top‑10 start and the opportunity for points with a clean Saturday run—an insight that underscored Bortoleto’s frustration over the slip.

Bortoleto admitted, “The pace was there, but it’s disappointing to know you could have been fighting for points. Monaco, being a special track, deserved a better effort.”

He concluded, “It’s a shame I couldn’t deliver what the team deserved.”

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