(Motorsport-Total.com) – Gabriel Bortoleto emphasizes that he will not only race for Audi in Formula 1 next year but also beyond that. The teammate of Nico Hülkenberg is currently in his second Formula 1 season and has kept up with the veteran so far. Although the exact length of the Brazilian’s contract is unknown, his place for 2027 seems secure.
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“As far as I can say something about it – because it is confidential – let’s just say: There are no clauses. I have a long-term contract with Audi,” Bortoleto makes clear in an interview with Motorsport.com Brazil, a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com in the Motorsport Network.
“I have already said it: I will be with Audi next year, and not only next year but also in the years after.”
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For him, his work at Audi, which began in 2025 with the predecessor racing team Sauber, is a long-term project. The team always communicates 2030 anyway, when they want to reap the successes. “So let’s put it this way: It is a project we really believe in. I believed in it when I signed, they believe in my potential – that’s what I can say about it.”
Nico Hülkenberg is considered a fixed partner by his side – actually. Because recently there have been repeated rumors about other drivers who could be seeking their way to Audi – including Carlos Sainz.
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Hülkenberg, who will turn 39 next week, is not experiencing the season he had hoped for and was recently able to score points for the first time this season in Hungary – Bortoleto had already done so three times before.
Asked about possible new drivers, Bortoleto says: “I can say that my cockpit is secure.” He does not want to comment on other people’s contracts, “but working with Nico is really a lot of fun for me. I want to emphasize and make that very clear. He is a guy I really appreciate. He is fast, experienced, and brings a lot of positives to the team.”
The same applies from his point of view to the new spearhead around project leader Mattia Binotto and race director Allan McNish, who replaced team principal Jonathan Wheatley shortly after the start of the season. “I am very happy with Mattia and Allan McNish,” says Bortoleto.
“Allan is doing a great job, and as for Mattia, I almost lack the words,” he praises. “Everything he has achieved with the team so far is absolutely impressive.”
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