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Gabriel Bortoleto scores again as Audi’s 2.1s pit stop seals Spa points

2026-07-21 · Gabriel Bortoleto · Match Report

Gabriel Bortoleto scores again as Audi’s 2.1s pit stop seals Spa points

Gabriel Bortoleto delivered another points finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing eighth on 27 July 2025 after Audi’s 2.1-second pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car catapulted him past both Racing Bulls drivers.

What happened in Belgium?

Bortoleto started inside the top ten and kept his composure through a chaotic Spa race. The decisive moment came when the Virtual Safety Car flew, and Audi’s crew changed four tyres in 2.1 seconds. That lightning call slotted Bortoleto ahead of both Racing Bulls drivers before the field bunched up again. From P12 on the restart, he held station and fended off Arvid Lindblad’s late pressure to keep the point.

Why the pit stop mattered for Bortoleto

The stop was the difference between midfield anonymity and a top-ten finish. “We maximised everything this weekend,” Bortoleto said. “That pit call under VSC was huge-it put me in clean air and gave me a chance to fight.” He added the result felt even sweeter because Audi staff from Hinwil, Bicester and Neuburg were in the grandstands to share the moment.

What Bortoleto said after the race

“I’m extremely happy with today’s result,” he told the team’s media feed. “These consecutive points finishes give us confidence that we belong in the top ten now.” He also pointed to Audi’s growing race-day strength. “Our race pace was competitive all afternoon-we were right in the mix throughout.”

What comes next for Audi and Hülkenberg

Nico Hülkenberg finished 13th, just over two seconds shy of the final points slot. He admitted a poor start and a midfield scrap cost him dear. “We paid the price for losing positions early,” Hülkenberg said. “The VSC gained us a few seconds, but it ended too soon to really capitalise.” He still praised the squad’s race pace and backed Bortoleto’s surge. “Gabriel’s result shows we’re fighting where we want to be.”

Audi now turns to the Hungaroring for round 13, with both cars targeting another points day to close the first half of the season on a high.

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