Gabriel Bortoleto Makes His F1 Debut with Audi at the Australian Grand Prix

By Vikram Nair / 08.03.2026

The former Sauber team transitioned to Audi’s ownership starting in 2022. This marked a significant shift in the team’s direction, as they prepared to enter the Formula 1 circuit under the Audi banner.

Breaking Development

On March 7, 2026, Gabriel Bortoleto made his highly anticipated F1 debut with Audi at the Australian Grand Prix. He qualified 10th in both Q1 and Q2, demonstrating a promising start for the new team. However, a drive issue prevented him from completing Q3, which was a setback for his qualifying performance.

In contrast, his teammate Nico Hülkenberg qualified 11th, with a time of 1:20.303, slightly behind Bortoleto’s 1:20.221 in Q2. Despite the challenges, the Audi team expressed optimism about their debut race.

Bortoleto expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working.” He also acknowledged the hard work put in by the team behind the scenes, which may not be visible to the public.

Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure within the Audi team, remarked, “Qualifying was extremely encouraging for the team, and seeing Gabi reach Q3 in Audi’s first race is a special moment for everyone involved.” This sentiment reflects the team’s aspirations and the significance of their debut in the competitive F1 landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the race approaches, the Audi team aims to join the fight for points in their debut outing. The development of their new power unit at their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, has been a crucial aspect of their preparations, having not run on track until January 2026.

Despite the initial hiccup in qualifying, Bortoleto’s performance has set a foundation for future races. Observers are keen to see how the team will adapt and respond in the upcoming race, with hopes high for a competitive showing.