Audi highlights evolution of “analytical” Bortoleto in 2026 F1: “He has massive potential”

Key Takeaways:

Analytical Approach: Audi Racing Director Allan McNish praised Gabriel Bortoleto for his calm, analytical driving style and steady progression during his second F1 campaign.
Leading the Team: The 21-year-old Brazilian has outscored veteran teammate Nico Hülkenberg by 10 points to 2 through the opening 11 rounds of the 2026 season.
Complementary Partnership: McNish emphasized the strong dynamic between Bortoleto’s youthful enthusiasm and simulator work ethic alongside Hülkenberg’s extensive experience.

Gabriel Bortoleto has not only impressed Audi with his on-track results. Allan McNish, Audi’s Racing Director and right-hand man to Team Principal Mattia Binotto, praised the young Brazilian for his conduct behind the scenes. The Scot highlighted the driver’s maturity in Formula 1 and spoke highly of his chemistry with veteran teammate Nico Hülkenberg.

After securing back-to-back rookie titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2, the 21-year-old from São Paulo made the step up to the top tier with Sauber last season. Navigating natural ups and downs during his rookie year, Bortoleto accumulated vital experience to position himself as the team’s leading performer so far in 2026, scoring 10 points across the first 11 rounds compared to 2 points for Hülkenberg.

“He is very analytical in the way he drives and builds his speed. I think that becomes evident when you observe how much he has evolved over the course of this year, as well as during qualifying sessions, such as in Spa,” McNish noted in an interview with the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. At the Belgian GP, Bortoleto secured eighth place on the starting grid, crossing the finish line in the exact same position on Sunday.

The executive recalled an incident from 2024 to illustrate the Brazilian’s mental resilience. “In F2 in Qatar, while leading, he pitted just as the pit lane was closed due to a safety car. He had to exit back out and received a 5-second penalty for crossing the white line. The way he collected himself mentally and pressed on in that race showed he has a great capacity to remain calm under pressure.”

“When you possess that ability to stay calm—combined with natural speed and an analytical approach to extracting that pace—it gives you massive potential. Now, with added experience, he is beginning to unlock that potential even further,” he added.

“Another aspect I appreciate about him is that outside the car, he is positive and approachable. He is a pleasure to work with, and it’s great to have him in our team. Between him and Nico, we have a well-balanced pairing: one brings deep experience and an instinctive understanding of where the wind is blowing, while the other brings youthful enthusiasm. They complement each other exceptionally well.”

Audi Director praised the partnership between Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg (Photo: Leonid Kliuev / Grande Prêmio)

Hard Work and Simulator Commitment

The Audi executive further classified Bortoleto as a relentless worker who consistently makes himself available to assist in vehicle development. “He is certainly the type of driver who, if there were a simulator session scheduled for January 2nd, would be right in the rig working alongside Jose [Manuel López], his race engineer.”

“That commitment is precisely what we require at this stage of our project. We need drivers who push us forward and stand beside the team when contributions are needed. Both drivers fit that mold, and Gabi is fully aligned with that mindset,” McNish concluded.

Formula 1 is currently on its summer break. Track action for the 2026 season resumes August 21–23 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Allan McNish and Gabriel Bortoleto (Photo: Audi)