Former Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone believes Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto “will pose a threat to his experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg” as the German brand begins its first season this year.
Audi’s entry into the championship this year has been highly anticipated by fans since taking over the Sauber team. While the brand’s four-ringed car has appeared in a number of promotional events since news of the investment broke, 2026 is the season when fans will first see the car on track.
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After an impressive first year at Sauber, young Bortoletto is regarded by many as an upcoming talent and Ecclestone believes he can challenge his older team-mate.
“They have now gathered all the ingredients to be successful in their first year in Formula 1,” Ecclestone told reporters. sports network Audi surprised the audience with its fast performance in the race simulation. Reliability was impressive with only a few issues limiting the run in Barcelona as the team brought its own Audi-built power unit into the fray.
It ended its second test with 357 laps completed. Although its drivers are far from expected, they remain optimistic.
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“I think we’ve had a lot of discussions about the ambition of the project and what has been achieved is incredible,” team principal Jonathan Whitley said during the second test. “We are the first team to run a new generation of Formula 1 cars and everyone here knows what it takes to get there within certain deadlines.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
“I think it also shows the ambition of the team. It’s a very talented team in Neuberg and Hinwil and of course Bicester who have put in a lot of hard work and we sit here with a brand, not just a completely new power unit but a powertrain as well.
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“It’s very encouraging to be where we are and achieve the mileage we achieved last week, but you know it’s an ambitious journey we’re on and we’re still a little bit away from where we want to be right now.”
Ecclestone is excited that Audi will be able to take advantage of the new regulations.
“All the teams are evenly matched. Audi is definitely competitive there,” he said, before adding that Bortoletto “will be a threat to Hulkenberg” and describing him as “very fast and has the potential to be a future world champion”.
These are high expectations for the young driver, and he will be eager to fulfill them if given the opportunity.
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