Gabriel Bortoleto has made it clear that he is not planning to leave Audi for the time being. The Brazilian has a long-term contract with the team and expects to continue racing for the German outfit in the coming years. With this, the 21-year-old driver expresses his confidence in the long-term project, which is completing its first year as a factory team this season.
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Bortoleto debuted in 2025 with Sauber and delivered 19 World Championship points for the team. This year, he has already contributed ten of the team’s twelve points, which now races in the brand-new Audi guise. His strongest performance so far came during the Belgian GP, where he qualified ninth and ultimately finished eighth. According to Bortoleto, there is little doubt about his future at Audi. “As far as I can say – because it is confidential information – I can confirm that there are no clauses in my contract,” he told Brazilian media. “I have a long-term contract with Audi.”
“I have already said: I will stay with Audi next year, and not just next year, but also the years after that,” he clarified. “This is a long-term project. Mattia (Binotto, ed.) always talks about 2030, so let’s stick to that. Moreover, this is a project we all truly believe in,” assured Bortoleto. “I believed in it when I joined them, they believe in my potential, and that is what I can say. It is something for the long term.”
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Bortoleto is also positive about his collaboration with teammate Nico Hülkenberg, although he did not want to comment on the German’s contractual situation. “I can say that my place in the team is secured. I cannot say anything about others’ contracts, but I really enjoy working with Nico (Hülkenberg, ed.) – let me make that clear. I like him a lot. He is fast, has a lot of experience, and brings many positive things to the team. We will see what the future brings, but I am satisfied. I believe in myself and I believe in my potential.”
Bortoleto also sees a clear development in his own performance since his F1 debut in 2025. “I am totally different. I entered Formula 1 very inexperienced and then everything happened so fast. My chance in Formula 1 came from one moment to the next. I had hardly tested and had not even completed any TPC days.” Meanwhile, the Brazilian feels increasingly at home in Formula 1. “I have learned a lot throughout the year and I have not stopped learning. Moreover, I feel incredibly supported by the team. We had some great moments last year. So far, I am also very satisfied with my current season. We have achieved a lot together and we are making the car increasingly competitive.”
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