Gabriel Bortoleto presents Audi’s new R26 car for the German brand’s debut in Formula 1

The Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto was present at the official launch of the R26, a car that marks the definitive entry of the The presentation brought together the top management of the German automaker and symbolizes the complete transition from the structure of the old Sauber to the command of the manufacturer of the four rings, starting a new chapter in the main category of world motorsport.

The new machine was described by the Brazilian as an exceptional project, which represents not only a technological advance, but the beginning of a new era for national motor sport in the top category. Bortoleto highlighted that the vehicle is the result of the collective effort of everyone involved and that expectations for the first real contact with the track are high. The schedule foresees that practical activities with the R26 model will begin next week, serving as a basis for the necessary calibrations before the official opening of the championship.

The Audi project at Fórmula 1 represents one of the most significant moves on the grid for the 2026 season. The automaker fully takes over the operation that belonged to Sauber, transforming the Swiss team into its factory operation. Para its debut lineup, Audi bets on combining the youth of Gabriel Bortoleto with the vast experience of the German driver Nico Hülkenberg. The R26 model was designed under the strict new technical regulations coming into force this year, and the pre-season will feature crucial test sessions at Europa and Oriente Médio to validate the engineering solutions.

Bortoleto’s confidence in the project is a reflection of the intensive work carried out behind the scenes over the last few months. The engineering team of Neuburg, responsible for the power unit, and that of Hinwil, focused on the chassis, worked in total synergy to create a competitive car from the beginning. The Audi’s journey towards the Fórmula 1 officially begins with pre-season testing, where the first real performance data will be collected and analyzed.

Technical planning and initial testing in Barcelona

Preparation for the debut season of Audi will begin in Circuito of Catalunha, in Barcelona. Gabriel Bortoleto highlighted that working on the simulator during the break period was an essential asset in understanding the drastic changes imposed by the category’s new technical regulations, which significantly altered the aerodynamics and power units.

This initial phase on Spanish soil will be essential for the technical team to collect aerodynamic and engine performance data in real asphalt conditions, allowing correlation with information obtained in digital simulations. The focus will be on accumulating as much mileage as possible to identify and correct any reliability issues.

The pilot duo: youth and experience

The choice of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg as the starting duo reflects a clear strategy on the part of Audi. The team seeks to balance the raw talent and ambition of a young champion with the solidity and technical knowledge of a grid veteran.

Bortoleto, coming from titles in the youth categories, represents the future and the bet on a driver capable of growing along with the project. Sua natural speed and adaptability are seen as valuable assets to the team.

On the other hand, Hülkenberg, with hundreds of Grandes Prêmios raced, offers precise and invaluable technical feedback to accelerate the development of the R26. Sua experience will be vital in guiding the team in car setup decisions and race strategy.

Technological innovations in the R26 model of the Audi

The new Audi car incorporates refined aerodynamic solutions that seek to optimize airflow in accordance with the requirements of the Federação Internacional and Automobilismo. Gabriel Bortoleto mentioned that the car has driving characteristics that left him very satisfied during the first static evaluations and digital simulations.

The integration between the hybrid engine, developed in Neuburg, and the chassis produced in Hinwil is one of the points of greatest attention to engineers in this launch phase. The synergy between the two development fronts is crucial to the success of the project.

The technical team worked extensively on weight reduction and efficiency of the power unit, which will use 100% sustainable fuels, in accordance with new regulations. The aim is to ensure that the R26 is competitive from the first laps.

Bortoleto believes that Audi’s technological investment, combined with a meticulous work philosophy, will put the team in a favorable position to evolve quickly throughout the season, surprising opponents with a well-resolved technical package.

The factory team structure and long-term goals

The transition to a factory team significantly changes Gabriel Bortoleto’s work dynamics, which now has direct support from Audi engineering on all fronts. Embora external pressure may increase due to the grandeur of the German brand and the substantial investment in the project, the pilot minimizes such effects and focuses on continuing the bond it already had with the organization. Essa contractual stability allows Brazilians to see a journey of constant progress, without the need to prove their worth in each free training session, but rather to contribute to a long-term project. The main objective of Audi in this first phase is to establish a solid foundation, which will allow it to compete consistently in the midfield and, eventually, challenge the top teams in the near future. The team’s philosophy is one of gradual and sustainable growth, understanding that success in the modern Fórmula 1 is built step by step, with continuous learning and technical improvement with each race.

Adaptation of the Brazilian pilot to the German environment

Working within a German structure requires a high level of discipline and precision, characteristics that Gabriel Bortoleto has sought to improve since joining the brand’s program. The driver highlighted that communication with engineers at Berlim and at the development headquarters has been fluid and productive, facilitating the exchange of essential feedback for the car’s evolution.

This cultural and professional integration is seen as an important step for Brazilians to feel completely comfortable within the Audi ecosystem, maximizing their potential on the track.

Official calendar and season opening at Austrália

The 2026 Fórmula 1 calendar is set with crucial preparation steps leading up to the inaugural race in Melbourne. Além of the week in Barcelona, sessions in Bahrein are vital to ensure the car reaches its full potential before official competitions begin.

Expectations for Grande Prêmio from Austrália

The countdown to March 8 has begun for everyone at the Audi factory, with double shifts to ensure replacement components are ready for the trip to Melbourne. Gabriel Bortoleto plans to reach Austrália with maximum mileage accumulated from pre-season testing to minimize learning time during the race weekend. The Albert Park circuit, as it is a street circuit and has semi-permanent characteristics, tends to punish mistakes, which requires total concentration from the first free practice session. The team is aware of the challenges of a track that evolves throughout the weekend.

For Bortoleto, the opening of the championship will be the moment to validate all the work carried out behind the scenes over the last few months of intense development. Ele reiterates that Audi’s long-term plan is what brings him the most security, as there is a mutual understanding that success at Fórmula 1 is built gradually. The focus in Berlim now turns entirely to the logistics of transporting cars and equipment to the European and Asian test tracks, beginning the practical phase of one of the most anticipated projects in the category in recent years. The determination of the young Brazilian, combined with the cutting-edge technology of the Audi, creates a promising scenario for the future of national motorsport.