Gabriel bortoleto makes F1 debut with Audi at Australian Grand Prix

Background on Audi’s F1 Transition

The former Sauber team underwent a significant transition after being purchased by Audi, marking a new chapter in the team’s history. The Audi takeover was first publicized in 2022, and since then, the team has been working diligently to develop a new power unit and car from scratch.

Qualifying Performance at the Australian Grand Prix

On March 7, 2026, Gabriel Bortoleto made his F1 debut with Audi at the Australian Grand Prix, qualifying 10th in Q2 with a time of 1:20.221. His performance was notable, especially considering that the Audi F1 power unit had not run on track until January 2026.

However, Bortoleto faced a setback during Q3 due to a drive issue that prevented him from completing the session. Despite this, he expressed pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working. There’s still a lot of things to be fixed, but I’m proud of everyone that has been working in the last two, three months, trying to put this car in one piece and make it work.”

Reactions from the Team

Nico Hülkenberg, who qualified 11th with a time of 1:20.303, also shared his thoughts on the day, saying, “Overall, it’s been a positive day for the team. Yesterday’s long runs were encouraging and we’re in a good position going into the race.”

Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure in the team, remarked on Bortoleto’s achievement, noting, “Qualifying was extremely encouraging for the team, and seeing Gabi reach Q3 in Audi’s first race is a special moment for everyone involved.”

Looking Ahead

As the team prepares for the race, observers are optimistic about Audi’s potential in the upcoming season. Bortoleto’s debut, despite the challenges faced, has set a promising tone for the future of the team in Formula 1.