Gabriel Bortoleto qualified 10th in his F1 debut with Audi at the Australian Grand Prix, facing a drive issue that kept him from Q3.
The former Sauber team underwent a transition after being purchased by Audi, marking a significant shift in the team’s direction. Gabriel Bortoleto, who made his F1 debut with the team in 2025, qualified 10th in Q1 and Q2 at the Australian Grand Prix held at Albert Park, Melbourne.
Breaking Development
Despite his strong qualifying position, Bortoleto experienced a drive issue that prevented him from participating in Q3. His teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, qualified just behind him in 11th place. Bortoleto’s qualifying time in Q2 was 1:20.221, while Hülkenberg clocked in at 1:20.303.
Bortoleto expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working.” He also noted the extensive work done behind the scenes, which may not be visible to the public. Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure in the team, remarked, “Qualifying was extremely encouraging for the team, and seeing Gabi reach Q3 in Audi’s first race is a special moment for everyone involved.” However, Bortoleto lamented not being able to take part in Q3, calling it “a real shame” and a missed opportunity for recognition of the team’s hard work.
Looking Ahead
Observers noted that Audi’s F1 power unit had not run on track until January 2026, highlighting the challenges faced by the team in their debut race. The team has developed a new power unit at their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, indicating a commitment to improving performance as the season progresses. As the season unfolds, it will be crucial for Bortoleto and Audi to build on this foundation and address the issues that arose during the qualifying sessions.
