Former Formulation 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone believes Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto “shall be a menace” to his skilled team-mate Nico Hulkenberg because the German model begins its first season this 12 months.
Audi’s entry into the championship this 12 months has been extremely anticipated by followers because the takeover of the Sauber group. Whereas the 4 rings of the model have been seen in various promotional actions because the information broke of its funding, 2026 is the primary season the place followers will see the automotive on the grid.
After a powerful first 12 months at Sauber, the younger Bortoleto is seen by many as an upcoming expertise, one which Ecclestone believes may problem his older team-mate.
“They’ve now gathered all of the substances for a profitable first 12 months in Formulation 1,” Ecclestone informed Sport.de after a fast Audi shocked viewers in race simulations. And with the outfit bringing its personal Audi-built energy unit to the struggle, it was impressively dependable with just a few points that restricted working in Barcelona.
It ended its second stint of testing with 357 laps recorded. And whereas its drivers have been moderately shtum round expectations, they’re silently optimistic.
“I believe we have talked rather a lot concerning the ambition within the venture and what’s been achieved already is unbelievable,” group principal Jonathan Wheatley mentioned throughout the second check. “We are the first group to run this new technology of Formulation 1 automotive, everybody right here is aware of what that takes in an effort to move sure deadlines to get there.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Staff
Picture by: Steven Tee / LAT Pictures by way of Getty Pictures
“I believe it exhibits an ambition within the group as properly. An amazing job that is occurred in Neuberg and Hinwil and naturally in Bicester – a massively gifted group of individuals who put a whole lot of effort into it and we’re sat right here as properly with a model, not only a model new energy unit, however a powertrain.
“And to be the place we’re and obtain the mileage that we achieved final week is massively encouraging however you recognize it is an bold journey we’re on and we’re a bit manner away from the place we might ideally be for the time being.”
From the place Ecclestone is sitting, he is excited for Audi to have the ability to capitalise on the brand new laws.
“All of the groups are carefully matched. Audi can positively be aggressive there,” he mentioned, earlier than including that Bortoleto “shall be a menace” to Hulkenberg, describing him as “very quick and a possible future world champion.”
These are excessive expectations for the younger driver, who shall be eager to fulfil them if he has the prospect.
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