Gabriel bortoleto makes F1 debut with Audi at Australian Grand Prix
Audi’s takeover of the Sauber team was first publicized in 2022, setting the stage for a new chapter in Formula 1. The team has been working on its F1 program for several months, culminating in the debut of Gabriel Bortoleto at the Australian Grand Prix.
Breaking Development
On March 7, 2026, Gabriel Bortoleto qualified 10th for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, marking a significant milestone in his career and for Audi’s new venture in F1. His qualifying time in Q2 was recorded at 1:20.221, showcasing his skill and the potential of the newly developed Audi power unit.
In comparison, teammate Nico Hülkenberg qualified just behind Bortoleto in 11th place with a time of 1:20.303. However, Bortoleto faced a setback when a mechanical issue prevented him from completing Q3, which could have further improved his starting position.
Following the qualifying session, Bortoleto expressed satisfaction with the team’s achievements, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working.” His sentiments were echoed by Jonathan Wheatley, who 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.”
Looking Ahead
As the race approaches, observers are optimistic about Bortoleto’s potential to perform well in the race, especially given his promising start. Bortoleto also expressed hope for continued progress, saying, “I’m impressed that we have been able to go in the right direction and hopefully we keep going.” This debut not only highlights Bortoleto’s talent but also sets a hopeful tone for Audi’s future in Formula 1.
