The second pilot for Audi's team that will compete in Formula 2026 in 1 has been announced. The name that will race on behalf of the Audi factory team is Brazilian pilot Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently the leader in Formula 2.
Audi’s driver lineup for Formula 2026, which it will enter in 1, has been finalized. One of the most promising talents for the future will represent Audi in the organization considered to be the pinnacle of motorsport: Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto will race alongside German Nico Hülkenberg in Stake F2026 Team Kick Sauber, which we will see as the Audi F1 factory team in 1 next year. Announced in April, the experienced Hülkenberg and promising F1 rookie Bortoleto make up an ideal driver duo for Audi’s Formula 1 project.
Born in São Paulo, Bortoleto has attracted attention by dominating the FIA Formula 2023 Championship in his first season in 3. Bortoleto currently leads the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings. Bortoleto began his career in karting at the age of six and moved to Europe with his family at the age of 12 to pursue his Formula 1 dream. Joining the future Audi F1 factory team gives Bortoleto the opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level of motorsport.
The team, which announced in April that German driver Nico Hülkenberg is on the roster for next season, is preparing to become an Audi F2026 factory team in 1 with a balanced mix of experience and youth.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Sauber Motorsport AG, said: “We are witnessing a generational change in Formula 1, where young drivers are making an immediate impact. With Gabriel Bortoleto, we have signed one of these key talents. This signing reinforces Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”
Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG: “Gabriel has already proven in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are delighted that he is joining the Sauber and Audi family. Together with Gabriel, we are embarking on a journey of success and we will develop as a united force to create a new era in motorsport for Audi. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, which positions us strongly for the future.”
Gabriel Bortoleto: “This is one of the most exciting projects not only in motorsport, but in the entire world of sports. It is a real honour to join a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi. I aim not only to be a member, but also to grow together with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity the team has given me and the chance to work with an experienced driver like Nico. Both programmes have a proven track record in developing young talent and I am sure that together we will write our own success story.”
