Gabriel Bortoleto criticizes Madrid GP as 'awful' after 13th

Gabriel Bortoleto has delivered a blunt verdict on Formula 1's newest circuit, labeling the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix a boring affair where he 'almost fell asleep'. The Audi driver's criticism comes after a weekend in Baku where he salvaged a 13th place finish from 17th on the grid, a small recovery in a challenging season for the German manufacturer.

Bortoleto's race in Baku on Saturday, September 26, was one of damage limitation. Eliminated in Q1, he started a lowly 17th. Over the course of a race featuring two safety car periods and six retirements, the Brazilian made steady progress. He gained four positions to cross the line in 13th, just outside the points. The race was won by George Russell of Mercedes, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar completing the podium. A minor consolation for Bortoleto was finishing ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who retired early and was classified 14th. This result continued a run of near-misses for Bortoleto, who has scored points only twice this season with eighth-place finishes in Britain and Belgium.

The Brazilian's frustration was more pointed when discussing the new Madrid street circuit. He agreed with journalists who said people in the press centre were dozing off. "I almost fell asleep too, yes," Bortoleto said with a laugh. He spent much of the race hoping for a safety car that never came, describing the event as one long, dull wait. "It's like Monaco, only faster, but just as boring as Monaco," he explained. While he praised the track's cool layout, he argued it was designed without overtaking in mind. The physical toll was also notable, with the repetitive, demanding Turn 5 giving drivers a headache over 50 laps.

Away from the track, Bortoleto has recently opened up about his experiences with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. The young Brazilian, who has worked with Alonso in the past, provided a glimpse into the Spaniard's personality away from the Formula 1 cameras. While the specific quotes from the source were not accessible due to a technical overlay, the story confirms Bortoleto is building relationships within the paddock and learning from established figures. His perspective adds a human element to the often intense world of the F1 circus.

Bortoleto's results must be viewed in the context of Audi's ongoing difficulties. The team has struggled for consistent performance, a fact highlighted in Baku. The car lacked qualifying pace, trapping Bortoleto in the lower half of the grid and forcing him into recovery drives. Progress during races has been possible, but breaking into the top ten has proven a significant challenge against more established rivals. Every weekend is a test for the developing team and its rookie driver.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Bortoleto finished 13th in the Azerbaijan GP after starting 17th. He criticized the Madrid GP as boring and comparable to Monaco. He has shared insights into Fernando Alonso's off-track character. His season reflects the broader performance struggles of the Audi team.