Gabriele Bortoleto: Driving for Audi is an amazing opportunity in my career

As one of the drivers tasked with leading Audi into its new Formula 1 era, Bortoleto framed the Berlin launch as both a personal career landmark and a collective achievement: “That is an amazing opportunity in my career. When I entered Formula 1, I already knew about the project and I was very hooked into it,” before underlining the significance of seeing the programme move from concept to reality with the car about to hit the track.

The early start to Audi’s 2026 preparations has already placed the driver in a new technical environment, with first running taking place just days after the New Year. The initial experience of the new regulations stood out immediately: “It was great to feel the new regulation car and the new engine,” alongside early exposure to a power unit philosophy that differs significantly from the previous generation.

While early testing provided technical insight, it was the human response that left the strongest impression. Bortoleto highlighted how the relentless pace of development left little time for reflection until the shakedown moment arrived: “Everyone has been working so hard that no one really had time to stop and realise everything that has been built.”

That changed when the car rolled out for the first time, with emotion visible throughout the team during the launch in Berlin on Tuesday: “You could see a lot of tears in their eyes,” capturing the weight of expectation and belief attached to Audi’s Formula 1 project. The moment resonated personally as well, with Bortoleto admitting he shared the same reaction.

Bortoleto arrives at Audi’s new chapter carrying momentum from his previous season, which saw consistent progress despite early limitations. Reflecting on that period, the scale of development achieved stood out clearly: “If someone told me last year that I would reach Q3 many times and score that many points after the season Sauber had in 2024, I would not have believed it,” framing the progress as foundational rather than final.

That experience now feeds directly into his approach to the new regulations, with the challenge of adaptation viewed as part of Formula 1’s natural cycle: “At first everything is new for everyone,” with confidence that understanding and execution will follow as mileage increases.

Looking ahead, Bortoleto resisted placing numerical expectations on the season, instead reinforcing a philosophy aligned with Audi’s long term roadmap. Success is defined by evolution rather than immediate outcomes: “I want to see progress with the team,” with car development and driver growth seen as the triggers for results rather than targets in themselves.

The message from the launch mirrors the broader tone set by Audi’s leadership. Emotion has marked the beginning, but discipline and steady improvement are expected to define the journey that follows.