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via RacingNews365Audi receive huge F1 fine after Nico Hulkenberg statement releasedAudi has been fined €30,000 by Formula 1 stewards due to an unsafe situation involving Nico Hulkenberg during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Hulkenberg was given a green light to leave the pit while a mechanic was adjusting the front wing, leading to confusion. Although no unsafe release was declared, the stewards deemed the situation unsafe, resulting in the fine, of which €20,000 is suspended for one year.
Hulkenberg managed to avoid contact with the mechanic and finished the race in 11th place. He later commented on the incident, expressing hope that the mechanic was okay after the pit stop, which he described as not the cleanest. The driver also referred to the race as peculiar, highlighting the unusual events that unfolded throughout the day.
Sun 4 Oct · 13:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi facing double penalty blow with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico HulkenbergOne driver was punished, another to be investigated.Sun 4 Oct · 09:55 UTC
via f1technical.net"I felt really at ease with the car," claims Bortoleto after strong Sepang qualifyingGabriel Bortoleto expressed confidence in his performance after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where he reached Q3 for the first time since Zandvoort. He achieved a lap time of 1:37.673, placing him 10th on the grid, but will start from ninth due to grid penalties for other drivers. Bortoleto credited the Audi team for their upgrades and the car's improved performance.
Nico Hülkenberg faced disappointment after a lock-up in Q1 prevented him from advancing, resulting in a 17th place finish, though he will start 15th due to penalties for others. Both drivers are optimistic about their chances in the race, with Bortoleto aiming for points and Hülkenberg looking to capitalize on potential opportunities from his starting position.
Sat 3 Oct · 16:02 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.Mon 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.+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 12:10 UTCWikimedia 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.
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.Mon 14 Sep · 17:15 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.Mon 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.
Sun 6 Sep · 20:30 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.
Mon 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.Sun 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.
Fri 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.Tue 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.Tue 25 Aug · 07:49 UTC
via Formula1.comNorris 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.
Sun 23 Aug · 15:37 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.Mon 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.
Fri 14 Aug · 06:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comBinotto 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.+ 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.
via Motorsport.comAudi performing better than expected in F1 2026 - Allan McNishAudi's entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season has exceeded expectations, with the team achieving three consecutive points finishes and making five Q3 appearances in the first 11 races. Racing director Allan McNish expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly in qualifying, where the average positions of drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have been competitive. Despite these successes, Audi sits eighth in the standings and acknowledges the need for improvements, especially regarding race starts and overall performance against the top teams.
The team has accumulated 12 points so far, with a significant portion coming from recent races. McNish highlighted the importance of ongoing development and teamwork as Audi aims to strengthen its position in the midfield. While the gap to the leading teams remains substantial, the team is optimistic about its growth and future potential in the championship.Tue 4 Aug · 11:25 UTCPage 1 of 2