Key takeaways
- Effective upgrades: Gabriel Bortoleto praised Audi’s development direction with the R26, noting that the performance packages introduced so far have exceeded initial expectations.
- Midfield momentum: After a difficult start to the 2026 season, Audi secured points finishes in three consecutive races prior to the summer break (Great Britain, Belgium, and Hungary), positioning itself as Racing Bulls’ primary rival in the midfield battle.
- Sustained development: The Brazilian driver expressed confidence in Audi’s ability to maintain a strong upgrade pace through the second half of the year, even as teams begin balancing development resources for 2027.
Amid an intense midseason development race across the Formula 1 grid, Gabriel Bortoleto voiced strong approval of Audi’s upgrade trajectory. Speaking during a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Zandvoort on Thursday (20), the Brazilian driver stated he believes the team can match its midfield competitors’ development rate for the rest of the campaign.
Following an initial adjustment period early in the season, the Hinwil-based factory team made noticeable strides, securing points finishes across the final three rounds before the summer shutdown — at Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and the Hungaroring. Holding 12 points in the Constructors’ Standings, Audi has recently emerged as the principal challenger to Racing Bulls in the upper midfield.
As the second half of the championship gets underway in Zandvoort, teams across the paddock are gradually shifting technical focus toward 2027. Asked whether Audi can sustain its pace of bringing new parts to the track, Bortoleto offered a reassuring perspective.
“I trust the team and I’m confident we can bring significant improvements,” driver #5 stated. “So far, every upgrade we’ve implemented this season has worked as expected, or even better. Therefore, the direction we are taking is clear and moving in the right way.”
“I don’t know what other teams will bring — you hear things here and there, but it’s always hard to be certain until you see the cars on track and see how much they improve,” Bortoleto added. “We’re focused on ourselves. The updates to come are good, and I hope they work as expected so we can remain very competitive.”
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch Grand Prix — the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all the track action live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, August 21 – 12:30 | 10:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday, August 21 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday, August 22 – 11:30 | 09:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States
- United States (Eastern Time / ET)
- Broadcaster: Apple TV
- Free Practice 1: Friday, August 21 – 06:30 ET
- Free Practice 2: Friday, August 21 – 10:00 ET
- Free Practice 3: Saturday, August 22 – 05:30 ET
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 09:00 ET
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How many points does Audi have in the 2026 Constructors’ Standings?
Audi currently holds 8th place in the Constructors’ Standings with 12 points, having scored consistently across recent Grand Prix rounds.
2. Who are Audi’s main rivals in the F1 2026 midfield?
Audi’s primary benchmark in the midfield battle is currently Racing Bulls, alongside competition from Haas, Alpine, and Williams.
3. Who drives alongside Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi in 2026?
Gabriel Bortoleto forms Audi’s full-factory driver lineup alongside veteran German driver Nico Hülkenberg.
