Gabriel Bortoleto Assessed by Audi's Binotto After Points

Gabriel Bortoleto is building a solid foundation for his Formula 1 career with Audi, a fact highlighted by team principal Mattia Binotto after the rookie's recent run of points-scoring performances. The Brazilian driver has delivered consecutive top-ten finishes, securing eighth place at Silverstone and again in Belgium, as Audi establishes itself on the grid.

How is Audi's F1 project progressing with Bortoleto?

Audi's entry into Formula 1 is a long-term project, and team principal Mattia Binotto is clear about the goals. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Ferrari boss stated the aim for 2026 was not consistent top-ten finishes but to be seen as a team seriously laying foundations. "What we do on the racetrack is the visible part," Binotto said. "Behind the scenes, however, we're building up the team." This involves significant infrastructure investment, including recruiting young staff and constructing a new racing simulator building set for completion by the end of 2027.

Binotto's assessment came after the second free practice session at Monza, where Bortoleto finished 15th and teammate Nico Hülkenberg was 13th. The team has scored points on four occasions over the past four Grand Prix weekends, a sign of growing reliability.

What is Bortoleto's mindset for achieving F1 success?

Complementing the team's structural growth is Bortoleto's intensely focused personal drive. The young Brazilian has publicly declared he is "willing to sacrifice everything" to achieve greatness in the sport. For Bortoleto, anything less than reaching the pinnacle of Formula 1 is simply not an option. This uncompromising attitude aligns with the demanding culture of a top-tier team and suggests a driver fully committed to the arduous development path ahead with Audi.

His recent results show he is translating that determination into on-track performance. Scoring points in two of the sport's most classic events demonstrates not only speed but racecraft and consistency under pressure.

What were the recent practice results at Monza?

The Italian Grand Prix weekend at the high-speed Monza circuit provided the latest test for the Audi package. During the Friday practice sessions, the team gathered valuable data. Nico Hülkenberg finished the second session in 13th place, with Gabriel Bortoleto ending up 15th. These positions reflect the current competitive order as the team continues its development work, fine-tuning the car ahead of qualifying and the race.

• Gabriel Bortoleto scored points with eighth-place finishes at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
• Audi team principal Mattia Binotto emphasized the project is focused on long-term infrastructure, not short-term results.
• Bortoleto possesses a fiercely dedicated mindset, stating he will sacrifice everything for F1 success.
• At Monza practice, Bortoleto and teammate Nico Hülkenberg finished 15th and 13th respectively in FP2.