Key Takeaways:
- Inspired by Verstappen: Gabriel Bortoleto praised Max Verstappen’s contract extension with Red Bull through 2030, highlighting how stability benefits the Formula 1 grid.
- Aspiration for Long-Term Success: The Brazilian driver admitted it “would be a dream” to build a similarly enduring, multi-year partnership with Audi as the manufacturer establishes its factory F1 presence.
- Focus on Maiden Success: Bortoleto emphasized that while drivers like Lewis Hamilton sought fresh challenges after years with one team, his immediate motivation is to achieve his first race wins and championship milestones with Audi.
Gabriel Bortoleto commented on Max Verstappen’s contract extension with Red Bull, revealing his aspiration to follow in the four-year World Champion’s footsteps and forge a long-term career with Audi. The Brazilian driver stated that he has always desired to remain within a single team structure for many years in Formula 1, emphasizing that such a prolonged partnership would indicate the project has achieved tremendous success.
Verstappen and Red Bull announced on Thursday (20) an agreement keeping the Dutchman with the team through the end of 2030. The news put an end to intense paddock speculation regarding a potential departure and was welcomed by Bortoleto, who considers the retention of top-tier talent vital for the sport.
“It’s incredible, I’m happy to know that Max is staying. There were all those rumors that he might leave F1 and everything else, so I’m happy. That’s great for the sport. It’s always good when a four-time world champion decides to stay,” he stated.
When asked by GRANDE PRÊMIO whether he had already spoken with the Dutchman, Bortoleto shared that he only learned of the announcement shortly before arriving for media duties.
“No, not yet. I saw it in the car just now, literally coming here, that he had renewed. So for sure, when I see him, I’ll talk about it and congratulate him,” he told GP.
Asked if he would like to replicate that path and build an equally enduring relationship with his own team, Bortoleto made no secret of his desire to spend many years racing for Audi. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that every driver’s journey is unique and that motivation varies over time.
“That would be a dream. It would be great if we stayed together for 15 years, it would mean that the partnership between me and Audi worked in an incredible way. Since karting, I’ve always been the kind of guy who dreamed of staying with one team, and I hope I can do that,” he declared.
“I think there are different opinions about this, it also depends on what motivates and challenges you. Lewis, for example, spent many years at Mercedes, maybe he needed a new challenge. Obviously, you’d have to ask him, but each of us has a way of motivating ourselves,” he explained.
“Me, for example, I haven’t achieved absolutely anything in F1; I haven’t won a race, nor have I won a title yet. So maybe in a few years, when those things are sorted out, you can ask me again and I’ll tell you what motivates me. But I’m sure that making history with a team that has never been in F1 and achieving many things with it would be a great story to tell one day,” he concluded.
The discussion adds to a busy paddock news cycle heading into Round 12, following Max Verstappen’s extension through 2030, Jos Verstappen confirming performance clauses in the new deal, Franco Colapinto describing his ‘painful’ wait for Alpine updates, and Honda detailing its final 2026 engine package for Zandvoort.
Formula 1 resumes track action this weekend, August 21–23, 2026, at the Dutch Grand Prix, the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all activities in Zandvoort live on-site with reporter Leonid Kliuev.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, August 21 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday, August 21 | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Sprint Race | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Grand Prix Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, August 23 | Grand Prix (72 Laps) | 15:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Gabriel Bortoleto say about Max Verstappen’s renewal?
Gabriel Bortoleto praised Max Verstappen’s multi-year extension with Red Bull, calling it great for Formula 1 and ending persistent exit rumors.
Does Gabriel Bortoleto want a long-term career with Audi?
Yes, Bortoleto stated that building a long-term, multi-year partnership with Audi akin to Verstappen’s tenure at Red Bull “would be a dream” and an indicator of mutual success.
What are Bortoleto’s immediate career goals in Formula 1?
Bortoleto emphasized that he has yet to win a race or a championship in Formula 1, keeping his current motivation focused on achieving maiden successes with Audi’s new project.
