Fred GambleNico Hülkenberg 
via RacingNews365Lando Norris reflects on McLaren's struggles in MalaysiaLando Norris acknowledged that McLaren lacked the pace to compete effectively at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The British driver finished ninth after a late-race incident and an unsuccessful tyre strategy.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via f1technical.netWhy did Audi miss out on points in Baku despite extensive upgrade package?Audi narrowly missed out on scoring points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Nico Hulkenberg finishing in 11th place after a late race challenge. Despite a strategic decision to keep Hulkenberg on track during a Safety Car period, he was unable to hold off Carlos Sainz, who overtook him due to superior straight-line speed. Hulkenberg expressed frustration at missing points, which seemed achievable in the final stages of the race.
Gabriel Bortoleto, who finished 15th, also faced challenges but noted some positive signs from Audi's new upgrade package, particularly in the middle sector. Racing Director Allan McNish acknowledged the team's efforts to recover from a difficult qualifying session and stated that they would analyse their performance before the next race in Sepang, where they hope the circuit characteristics will better suit their car.
f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi confirms Hulkenberg and Bortoleto for 2027Audi has officially confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will be part of their Formula 1 line-up for the 2027 season. Mattia Binotto stated that both drivers were already under contract, which eliminated the need for a new announcement.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 12:10 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Off The Track Media · CC BY 2.0Hulkenberg open to racing beyond 40Nico Hulkenberg has expressed his willingness to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the age of 40, as he prepares to race with Audi through 2027. Having recently turned 39, he is currently one of the older drivers on the grid, alongside Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg indicated that his future in the sport will depend on his performance and motivation levels.
In his comments, Hulkenberg praised Alonso's impressive performance at his age and highlighted the importance of being happy and motivated to compete. He also dismissed any excessive nostalgia for the older, lighter F1 cars, suggesting that drivers adapt to the current vehicles and that idealizing the past is not realistic.newsonf1.comFri 18 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via f1chronicle.comFerrari Boss Fred Vasseur Insists ‘The Potential Is There’ for a Win After Charles Leclerc’s Bold Madrid GambleFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in the team's potential for victory following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Charles Leclerc finished fourth after a bold strategy. Leclerc gambled on a single set of hard tyres for nearly 50 laps, hoping for a second caution that could have allowed him to pit without losing time. Despite his strong pace throughout the race, he ultimately fell short of a podium finish, crossing the line 29.116 seconds behind winner Kimi Antonelli.
Vasseur noted that the team's strategy was sound, but the absence of a second caution period hindered their chances. He emphasized that Leclerc's performance showcased Ferrari's capability to compete with the front-runners, despite Hamilton's early retirement due to brake issues. As the team prepares for the next race in Baku, Vasseur remains optimistic that a full race without incidents could finally yield the results that reflect their pace.
f1chronicle.comWed 16 Sep · 01:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Gabriel Bortoleto lands 'new job' in comical Audi Spanish GP jokeDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto executed an impressive strategy by running a long stint on hard tyres, which helped his teammate Nico Hulkenberg secure a 10th place finish and earn a point for Audi. Bortoleto finished the race in 13th position, contributing to the team's overall performance and bringing their total points to 17, placing them eighth in the constructors' standings.
Audi's racing director, Allan McNish, acknowledged the effectiveness of Bortoleto's strategy while also emphasizing the need for the team to bring upgrades to their car. He noted that their last significant package was introduced in Austria, and highlighted the competitive pace of other teams, particularly Pierre Gasly's strong performance in Madrid and his pole position in Monza. McNish stressed the importance of keeping pace with rivals in the midfield.RacingNews365Mon 14 Sep · 17:15 UTC
via F1iLeclerc defends Ferrari call as Vasseur sees missed Madring winCharles Leclerc expressed confidence in Ferrari's strategic decision during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he led for a significant portion of the race. Despite the team's gamble on a hard-tyre strategy, they did not receive the hoped-for Safety Car, leading to Leclerc finishing in fourth place without regrets about the strategy employed.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, assessed that the team had the potential for a race win based on their pace, particularly during Leclerc's long stint on hard tires. He emphasized that the team's focus should be on improving their qualifying performance, as they struggled to secure a better starting position, which ultimately affected their race outcome.
F1iMon 14 Sep · 10:26 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 teams weighing up Madrid gamble as key decision awaitsThe Spanish Grand Prix is set to take place at the new Madring Circuit, with Lando Norris starting from pole position after a strong qualifying performance. He is looking to continue his winning streak, having won the last two races from pole, and aims to become the first driver to win at this new venue.
Teams are deliberating between a one-stop and a two-stop race strategy, with Pirelli indicating that a one-stop strategy may be more effective. However, high temperatures could lead to increased tire wear, prompting teams to consider the risks of a two-stop strategy, especially given the long pit lane and potential traffic issues.RacingNews365Sun 13 Sep · 10:25 UTC
via Formula1.comPedro de la Rosa praises Aston Martin's successful upgradesPedro de la Rosa highlighted the positive impact of Aston Martin's recent car upgrades during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described Fernando Alonso's reaction as a standout moment of the season, emphasizing the effectiveness of the team's strategic changes.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 10 Sep · 00:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson criticised by F1 rival: 'It's his signature move'Liam Lawson faced criticism from Nico Hulkenberg following their clash during the Italian Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred at Turn 4 after a restart, resulted in Lawson needing to pit for a new front wing, ultimately finishing the race in 14th place, while Hulkenberg finished 12th. Hulkenberg described Lawson's driving style as one that does not leave enough room for other competitors, calling it 'his signature move.'
Despite the tension, Hulkenberg noted there were 'no hard feelings' but felt the incident warranted a stricter judgment from the stewards. The investigation led to a black-and-white flag for Lawson, but no further penalties were imposed, which frustrated both drivers. Hulkenberg emphasized the need for serious consideration of such incidents, especially given the high speeds involved.RacingNews365Mon 7 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies tells Liam Lawson where he could have finished without front-wing damage at MonzaLiam Lawson's race at the Italian Grand Prix was marred by a collision with Nico Hulkenberg, which resulted in front-wing damage and forced him to pit early. Despite starting from the back due to an engine penalty, Lawson showcased strong pace during the race, ultimately finishing in 14th place. His team principal, Laurent Mekies, noted that without the pit stop, Lawson could have achieved a higher position, potentially around P6 or P7.
Kimi Antonelli made headlines by winning the race after starting from P19, highlighting the overtaking opportunities at Monza. Lawson's engineer also praised his performance, particularly during a long stint on medium tires. As Lawson waits for news about his participation in the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix, he remains optimistic about his recent performances.
f1oversteer.comSun 6 Sep · 20:30 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Faces Disappointment in Monza Qualifying ResultsMcLaren experienced frustration during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri securing a third-place finish while Lando Norris could only manage ninth. Norris expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of his car, describing the experience as 'painful'.f1technical.netSat 5 Sep · 23:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz could extend F1 career until 2040Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Williams, has expressed his ambition to extend his Formula 1 career until the age of 45, coinciding with the 2040 season. He draws inspiration from fellow drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who have shown that age does not necessarily limit performance in the sport. Sainz emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental motivation in prolonging a racing career.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Sainz reflects on his current standing in the drivers' championship and his enjoyment of racing. He acknowledges the challenges of the sport, including travel and media commitments, but remains committed to competing as long as he can. Sainz's passion for racing and his family's competitive spirit further fuel his desire to stay in Formula 1.
Motorsport.comMon 31 Aug · 16:30 UTC
via f1technical.netF1MATHS: Audi claim first DHL Fastest Pit Stop at ZandvoortAt the Dutch Grand Prix, Audi marked a significant achievement by securing its first DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, with a remarkable time of 2.30 seconds during Nico Hülkenberg's pit stop. Despite facing challenges, including a near-collision with his teammate, Hülkenberg managed to finish the race in eighth place, contributing valuable points to Audi's championship standings. The performance of Audi's pit crew stood out, especially as many other teams struggled with their pit stop times during the event.
Hülkenberg's successful race followed a technical issue that caused him to retire from the Sprint event. His ability to navigate the tight Zandvoort circuit and capitalize on track position was crucial, particularly after the red-flag restart. While Audi celebrated its milestone, Racing Bulls continued to hold the record for the fastest pit stop of the season, demonstrating the competitive nature of pit strategies in Formula 1.f1technical.netSun 30 Aug · 21:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Driver’s eye: How Nico Hulkenberg managed to avoid disaster at Dutch Grand PrixDuring the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Nico Hulkenberg managed to avoid a potentially disastrous collision with his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto after Bortoleto spun on the first lap. Both drivers navigated the tricky damp conditions, with Hulkenberg ultimately finishing in eighth place while Bortoleto recovered to thirteenth after starting from P17. Max Verstappen also faced difficulties, spinning out and hitting the barrier, which ended his race early.
Allan McNish, the Audi team boss, highlighted the skill and instinct displayed by both drivers during the incident. Hulkenberg described the situation as 'a bit wild,' acknowledging the tricky conditions that caught many drivers off guard. Bortoleto expressed his disappointment over his poor start and subsequent spin, indicating that he would review the data with his team to improve in future races.
PlanetF1Fri 28 Aug · 05:06 UTC
via RacingNews365Nico Hulkenberg receives 'some people have it' praise after 'Days of Thunder' near-missDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg narrowly escaped a serious accident when he avoided colliding with his Audi teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident occurred in damp conditions, leading to Bortoleto spinning and creating a smoke screen that obscured Hulkenberg's view as he approached the scene. Hulkenberg's quick decision to steer left allowed him to avoid a potentially disastrous collision.
Audi's team principal, Allan McNish, praised Hulkenberg's reflexes and compared the situation to a scene from the movie 'Days of Thunder'. He emphasized that some drivers possess an instinctive ability to navigate such dangerous situations, which was evident in both drivers' responses during the incident. McNish's comments underscored the critical nature of instinct and judgment in high-stakes racing environments.RacingNews365Tue 25 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via f1technical.netHulkenberg reflects on his "scary" opening lap at ZandvoortNico Hulkenberg had a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place and securing valuable points for Audi. Despite a chaotic opening lap where his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto spun and dropped positions, Hulkenberg managed to navigate through the field effectively, showcasing the pace of the Audi car. His ability to avoid a collision during Bortoleto's spin was crucial in maintaining the team's competitive standing in the race.
Gabriel Bortoleto, on the other hand, faced challenges after his early spin, which left him with a significant deficit to recover from. He managed to climb back to 13th place by the end of the race. Both drivers' performances contributed to Audi's ongoing success, as they have now scored points in four consecutive races, highlighting the team's progress despite the difficulties faced during the event.f1technical.netTue 25 Aug · 07:49 UTC
via Formula1.com1 videoNorris wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen crashesLando Norris claimed victory at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win of the season. He started from pole position but faced early competition from Kimi Antonelli, who took the lead after a red flag incident caused by Max Verstappen's crash on the first lap. Despite Antonelli's strong performance, Norris regained the lead and maintained it until the finish, crossing the line with a significant margin.
The race featured a dramatic turn of events, including a late Virtual Safety Car that influenced pit strategies. George Russell completed the podium in third place, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc followed in fourth and fifth. Several drivers faced penalties and retirements, including Verstappen, who was unable to finish the race due to his crash.Formula1.comSun 23 Aug · 15:37 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 drivers facing strategy gamble at Dutch GPThe article discusses the strategic considerations for drivers at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, particularly focusing on tire choices and pit stop strategies. Lando Norris is in pole position, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli following closely behind, making the race's narrow circuit a challenging environment for overtaking. The preferred strategy appears to be a one-stop race, although alternative strategies exist that may be slower but could offer competitive advantages in certain situations.
Additionally, the sprint race provided insights into tire performance, with Charles Leclerc successfully using soft tires to gain positions. Pirelli's motorsport director highlighted the importance of tire grip and temperature management, emphasizing how these factors will influence the race strategy and the potential risks associated with pit stops.RacingNews365Sun 23 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via F1iLeclerc admits Sprint race tyre gamble was ‘right or wrong’ choiceIn the Sprint race at Zandvoort, Charles Leclerc took a strategic risk by starting on soft tyres, a decision that ultimately paid off as he secured second place. This gamble was notable as most drivers chose medium tyres, and Leclerc's successful overtake of Lando Norris on lap 18 highlighted the effectiveness of Ferrari's strategy. Leclerc acknowledged the high stakes of being the only driver on a different tyre strategy, reflecting on the importance of making bold choices in racing.
The result was a positive indication for Ferrari as they resumed the championship after the summer break, with Leclerc expressing confidence in the car's performance. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton faced challenges, finishing sixth and struggling to optimize his car's capabilities. He voiced his frustrations about the difficulty of overtaking at the circuit, suggesting that adjustments would be necessary for future races.F1iSat 22 Aug · 13:43 UTC
via Motorsport.comAllan McNish reveals qualities that give Gabriel Bortoleto “a lot of potential”Allan McNish, the racing director of Audi F1 Team, has expressed confidence in Gabriel Bortoleto's potential as a Formula 1 driver. Bortoleto, who has achieved back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, made his debut in F1 last year and has shown significant improvement this season, currently leading his teammate Nico Hulkenberg in points. His performance at Spa-Francorchamps, where he finished eighth, further showcased his capabilities despite the team's expectations of struggling at that track.
McNish emphasized Bortoleto's analytical approach to driving and his mental resilience, particularly highlighting a race incident in Qatar where Bortoleto managed to recover from a penalty. Additionally, McNish praised Bortoleto's work ethic and positive demeanor, noting that he is a valuable asset to the team alongside the experienced Hulkenberg. The combination of Bortoleto's youthful enthusiasm and Hulkenberg's experience is seen as beneficial for the team's dynamics.Motorsport.comMon 17 Aug · 11:23 UTC
via RaceFansBortoleto vs Hulkenberg: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1The article discusses the head-to-head performance of Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto during the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a challenging start, Hulkenberg managed to score his first points of the season by finishing ninth in Hungary, while Bortoleto has accumulated a total of 10 points so far.
Despite their similar standings in points, the article highlights that Hulkenberg has experienced more reliability issues than Bortoleto. Both drivers had one non-start in the initial rounds, but Hulkenberg's luck has been notably worse, impacting his overall performance.
RaceFansFri 14 Aug · 06:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURBinotto responds to Sainz and Piastri Audi rumoursMattia Binotto, Audi's Formula 1 project chief, has commented on rumors linking Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri to the team. He indicated that the current driver lineup is likely to remain unchanged for the 2027 season.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 7 Aug · 19:06 UTC
via grandprix.comHulkenberg ready to stay with Audi long-termNico Hulkenberg has expressed his readiness to continue racing for Audi for the long term, indicating that his earlier concerns about his 2027 seat have diminished. After achieving a P9 finish at the Hungarian GP, he believes his performance this season is stronger than what the standings reflect, highlighting a disconnect between race outcomes and points earned.
Hulkenberg, who is currently under contract until 2027, is open to extending his stay with Audi if the team desires and he continues to enjoy racing. He emphasized that his focus is on Audi's development as a works team rather than future contract discussions, stating that the team's progress is his primary concern.grandprix.comThu 6 Aug · 17:03 UTC