Driver Gabriel Bortoleto, representative of Audi, spoke this Tuesday, July 21, on the podcast Na Ponta dos Dedos, where he discussed his team’s expectations for the next Hungarian Grand Prix. The race, scheduled for Sunday (21) at the Hungaroring circuit, could be the third consecutive one in 2026 in which the young Brazilian wins points, an objective that leaves him optimistic about the car’s performance in Budapest.

He highlighted that, in theory, the Hungarian layout is better suited to the Audi car than recent circuits. “If in the previous stages we were already among those who scored points, I believe that in Hungary we can not only maintain this performance, but also compete for the highest positions in the intermediate field”, he stated. Bortoleto emphasized that this does not imply a clear advantage, but rather an approximation or even a momentary superiority over rivals.

However, the driver emphasized the unpredictability of motor sport: “We will only be sure after Free Practice 1, when we evaluate how the complete package, including car and engine, behaves on the track. Motorsport always holds surprises, it is never absolute, but I am confident that we will have a good weekend”, added Bortoleto.

Currently, the Audi team competes closely with Racing Bulls for leadership of the midfield, behind major powers such as Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull. Gabriel assesses that the dynamics of this dispute change depending on the circuit, and the German team tends to perform better on tracks that depend less on engine power, such as Hungary and the new Madrid layout.

He considered that performance is also affected by the teams’ constant updates. “It all depends on the type of track and the upgrades that each one brings. Places like Spa, Silverstone and Austria, with long straights, tended to benefit our competitors. In Budapest and Madrid, which have fewer straights, we may have a greater advantage”, explained the driver, preferring caution before starting activities on the track.

During the same interview, Bortoleto recalled a bet made with Mattia Binotto, director of Audi’s Formula 1 project, which became public after the Belgian Grand Prix. According to the driver, Binotto expressed skepticism about the chances of scoring at Spa-Francorchamps, before the qualifying session and the race, due to the characteristics of the track with its long straights.

However, Gabriel showed confidence and assured Binotto that he would achieve a good result, a prediction that came true with the eighth place he achieved in the race.

The Brazilian shared the details: “We had an agreement before the weekend. He told me that it would be difficult to score points there, as it was a circuit with many straights, and that the challenge would be great. I replied that it would be difficult, but not impossible, and that with the correct set-up of the car, impeccable driving, a perfect lap in qualifying and a good vacuum, we would do it. Before getting in the car, he looked for me in the room and I promised that, after qualifying, I would talk to him on the radio”.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s challenge with Mattia Binotto before scoring in Belgium

In the qualifying session, Bortoleto reached eighth position, marking Audi’s best start in its recent Formula 1 history. Just before the start of Sunday’s race, he met Binotto on the grid again and expressed confidence that he would outperform Arvid Lindblad’s Racing Bulls car, known for its strength on the straights. After crossing the finish line in the points zone, Gabriel sent a fun message to his boss.

He reported how the race unfolded: “On the grid, I looked at the Racing Bulls car and thought I had a low chance of overtaking him, but I said I would pass Arvid Lindblad, who was next to me. He laughed, saying that I should say that after the race, as it was very difficult at that moment. This interaction motivated me, the sport needs that emotion. And after the race, I said: ‘I proved you wrong again’.”

Gabriel Bortoleto also reinforced his long-term commitment to Audi, highlighting the solid relationship with the team. “We have many years ahead of us. I am very satisfied with the project and the development plan”, he declared. He emphasized his belief in the potential of the team, which has reciprocally shown confidence in its talent since its arrival in Formula 1. This synergy is crucial for Audi, which is preparing to officially enter the category and is looking for talent to consolidate its long-term project.

The next stage of the Formula 1 world championship is scheduled for Sunday, the 26th, with the Hungarian Grand Prix starting at 10 am, Brasília time. The live broadcast will be carried out on TV Globo and sportv 3, allowing fans to follow all the emotions of the weekend.