Gabriel Bortoleto has confirmed his commitment to Audi’s Formula 1 team for the long term, securing a multi-season deal with the Swiss-German outfit. The Brazilian driver, who joined in 2025 during the team’s transition from Sauber, has accumulated 19 points in his debut season and 10 of Audi’s 12 points in 2026, currently holding 14th position in the championship standings, eight points behind Haas’ Oliver Bearman.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Bortoleto’s standout moment came during the Belgian Grand Prix, where he qualified ninth—a surprising feat given Audi’s power deficits. Starting eighth due to Lando Norris’ grid penalty, he maintained his position and repelled a late challenge from teammate Arvid Lindblad to earn four valuable points.
Despite Audi’s ongoing adaptation to its new manufacturer status, Bortoleto expressed confidence in the team’s long-term trajectory. “There are no escape clauses—I have a long-term contract with Audi,” he stated. “I’ve already confirmed I’ll be here next year, and beyond that as well.” He emphasized alignment with Audi’s 2030 vision, noting, “This is a project we truly believe in, both for the team and my potential.”
Looking ahead, Bortoleto highlighted incremental progress: “Last year marked the first step—building a new car and engine. Next year will be another leap forward, allowing us to execute our strategies more effectively.”
When questioned about teammate Nico Hulkenberg’s future, Bortoleto emphasized their strong bond: “My seat is secure. I won’t discuss others’ contracts, but I genuinely enjoy working with Nico. He’s quick, experienced, and brings immense value to the team. We’ll see what the future holds.” He added, “I’m confident in myself and my potential.”
Bortoleto also reflected on his personal evolution, noting significant growth since his 2024 F2 title win. Rapidly promoted from McLaren’s junior ranks with minimal F1 testing experience, he described his journey: “I arrived in F1 very raw, thrust into a steep learning curve. From the start, I dove into pre-season testing in Bahrain and absorbed as much as possible.” While acknowledging early challenges, he praised the team’s support, stating, “We’ve achieved great milestones, and I’m pleased with my progress this year—we’re making the car more competitive.”
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