Bortoleto makes long-term F1 future clear: ‘I’ll be with Audi’

Gabriel Bortoleto has made it clear that his future lies firmly with Audi, with the rising Brazilian insisting he is committed to helping the German manufacturer turn its ambitious Formula 1 project into a genuine force.

Bortoleto joined Sauber in 2025 after winning the Formula 2 title at his first attempt, arriving as one of the sport’s most highly rated young prospects.

With the Swiss outfit now transformed into the works Audi operation, the 21-year-old has become an increasingly important part of the manufacturer’s long-term plans.

His performances have already justified that faith. Bortoleto scored 19 points during his rookie campaign and has contributed 10 of Audi’s 12 points so far in 2026, leaving him 14th in the drivers’ standings.

Audi project has Bortoleto thinking beyond 2026

Audi’s first season as a full manufacturer operation was always expected to be about laying foundations rather than chasing immediate glory. With a new car and power unit to develop, the project requires patience — something Bortoleto appears to have in abundance.

Speaking to Motorsport.com’s Brazilian edition, the youngster revealed that his own contract provides plenty of security as Audi works towards its longer-term ambitions.

"As far as I can say, because it’s something confidential, let’s just say there are no clauses. I have a long-term contract with Audi. I’ve already said it: I’ll be with Audi next year, and not only next year, but for the following years as well," Bortoleto said.

For Bortoleto, the commitment goes far beyond simply seeing out his current deal. He has bought into Audi’s vision from the outset and believes the project could begin bearing fruit as its development gathers momentum.

"The intention, and I’ve always said this from the beginning, is that this is a long-term project,” he added.

“Mattia [Binotto] is always talking about 2030. So let’s put it that way. It’s a project we really believe in. I believed in it when I joined them, they believe in my potential, and that’s what I can say. It’s something long-term.

"I’m very excited. This year was the first step, building a new car and a new engine. Next year will be another step, and then we’ll be able to start putting things into practice."

Bortoleto backs himself alongside Hulkenberg

While his own position is secure, Bortoleto was less willing to speculate about the future of experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, whose wealth of F1 experience has proved valuable during the transition into the Audi era.

The Brazilian stressed how much he enjoys working alongside the veteran German, while making equally clear that he is confident in his own place within the project.

"I can say that my seat is secured. I’m not going to talk about other people’s contracts, but I really enjoy working with Nico," he said.

"That’s something I want to say and make very clear. He’s a guy I really like. He’s fast, experienced and brings a lot of positive things to the team, and we’ll see what the future holds.

"But I’m happy. I believe in myself and I believe in my potential."

That confidence has been forged through a steep learning curve. When Bortoleto arrived in F1, his experience in modern machinery was extremely limited, with a Testing of Previous Cars outing in Austria in 2024 representing his only meaningful running a post-season test that year in Abu Dhabi.

He had also spent just one year in McLaren’s driver development programme before Sauber and Audi secured his services, having agreed to release him from his contract after his Formula 2 triumph.

• Read also: Sainz and Piastri rumors prompt response from Audi’s Binotto

Bortoleto admits he entered F1 with plenty still to learn – but believes the experience of his first 18 months has transformed him as a driver.

"[I'm] totally different. I arrived in F1 very raw. Everything happened very quickly. My opportunity in F1 came from one moment to the next. I had barely done any testing, not even TPC.

"I basically had to go straight into an F1 season, do pre-season testing in Bahrain, and that was it. So the amount I learned throughout the year was huge. I’m still learning a lot. I’ve had a team that has supported me all the way.

"We had some great moments last year. So far this year, I’m also very happy with my season. We’ve achieved a lot of things together and we’re making the car more and more competitive."

With his future secured and Audi targeting the next stage of its development, Bortoleto is set to play the long game. The early points may be modest, but for the ambitious youngster, the real prize is helping turn Audi’s carefully laid foundations into a serious F1 contender.

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