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via RacingNews365Audi facing double penalty blow with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico HulkenbergOne driver was punished, another to be investigated.
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.
via RaceFansHamilton warned and Ferrari fined for practice incidentLewis Hamilton received a formal warning from the FIA stewards for unnecessarily impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during second practice at Sepang. Ferrari was also fined €10,000, approximately $11,250, for their involvement in the incident.
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton warned after Bahrain GP incidentLewis Hamilton has received a warning for impeding Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Additionally, Hamilton's Ferrari team has been fined €10,000 for the incident.
via PlanetF1Audi makes new announcement as Mattia Binotto confirms next stepThe Audi Formula 1 team has announced plans to construct a new factory near its existing site in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term development strategy. This new campus is set to be operational by summer 2026, with full completion expected by 2030. The current factory will be transformed into a manufacturing centre and wind tunnel operation, while power units will still be developed in Germany.
Mattia Binotto, the team's chief executive, highlighted the importance of the new campus in attracting world-class talent and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. He expressed pride in shaping the future of the Audi F1 team from the ground up, emphasizing that this project represents a significant investment in the team's capabilities and ambitions.
via RacingNews365Audi announces new campus for Formula 1 operationsAudi has unveiled plans to construct a new campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term strategy in Formula 1. This development aims to enhance the team's operational capabilities and signifies a commitment to its future in the sport.
via gpfans.comBritish wonderkid WILL get F1 chance says Audi team bossAudi team boss Mattia Binotto has expressed confidence in Freddie Slater's potential to move up to Formula 1, highlighting his progress in the Driver Development Programme. Slater, who recently finished second in the Formula 3 championship, is seen as a promising talent, and Binotto suggested that he may undertake some F1 duties as early as this year.
Slater's racing pedigree includes victories in various championships, and he has already made a name for himself by breaking records in the Italian F4 Championship. Binotto praised Slater's development throughout the season, indicating that his experiences, including setbacks, will contribute to his future success in motorsport.
via Formula1.comMattia Binotto aims for Freddie Slater in F1 soonAudi CEO Mattia Binotto has expressed his desire for Freddie Slater to secure a Formula 1 seat in the near future. Binotto indicated that this could happen even sooner than initially anticipated.
via CrashFerrari backs Fred Vasseur amid speculationFerrari has publicly expressed its full confidence in team principal Fred Vasseur following speculation regarding his future, particularly after comments from Christian Horner about his interest in the role. The team issued a firm statement to address the growing rumours and reaffirm Vasseur's position.
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.
via Formula1.comGabriel Bortoleto receives penalty for yellow flag breachGabriel Bortoleto has been penalised for overtaking during a yellow flag situation at the Baku Grand Prix. The FIA confirmed that Safety Car boards were incorrectly displayed, despite Race Control not deploying the Safety Car.
via Formula1.comBortoleto confused by 'weird' Baku form after Q1 exitGabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg of Audi faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, both failing to advance past Q1. Bortoleto finished in 17th place while Hulkenberg was 18th, marking a stark contrast to their usual performance this season. Despite the introduction of a significant upgrade package, the team struggled with grip and pace throughout the weekend.
Bortoleto expressed his confusion over the car's performance, noting that while the upgrades seemed effective, they did not translate into improved results. Hulkenberg attributed his exit to a yellow flag that disrupted his qualifying run, but he remains confident that the team can optimise the new upgrades in the coming weeks. Both drivers acknowledged the challenging conditions in Baku, which may have impacted their performance.
via PlanetF1Sergio Perez receives grid penalty for Azerbaijan incidentThe FIA has imposed a grid penalty on Sergio Perez following an incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying where he impeded Oscar Piastri. The decision comes after a stewards' investigation into the matter.
via Formula1.comAudi's upgrade package 'delivering as expected' – BinottoAudi has brought a significant upgrade package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, consisting of 14 new components aimed at enhancing performance. Team Principal Mattia Binotto expressed confidence in the upgrades, stating they are delivering as expected based on initial data from practice sessions.
In practice, Gabriel Bortoleto was the only driver to test the new components in the first session, finishing in P10. However, both he and Nico Hulkenberg struggled in the second session, finishing P14 and P15. Bortoleto mentioned issues with grip on the dusty Baku track, indicating that further adjustments may be needed to fully realise the potential of the new upgrades.
via Motorsport WeekF1 plans to return to V8 engines by 2030Mattia Binotto, the boss of Audi, has confirmed that Formula 1 is moving towards a return to V8 power units, with discussions already underway regarding the new engine regulations. The proposed changes include turbocharging and limited hybrid power, marking a significant shift from the current engine setup.
via PlanetF1Audi introduces extensive upgrade for Azerbaijan Grand PrixAudi has unveiled a significant upgrade package for their Formula 1 car ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The update includes numerous new components, marking one of the most comprehensive car updates seen this season.
via RacingNews365Binotto calls for vote on new F1 engine regulationsMattia Binotto has requested a year-end vote regarding the next engine regulations in Formula 1. Audi's Formula 1 chief indicated that a V8 engine is expected to be the basis for the new power unit, although details on its turbo and hybrid components still require consensus.
via racer.comTechnical updates: 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixAt the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, and Audi introduced significant technical upgrades. McLaren focused on enhancing the MCL40 with improvements to the sidepod inlets, engine cover, and rear suspension, while Red Bull's updates included a new floor geometry and sidepod design aimed at improving aerodynamic performance.
Williams also made notable changes with a new floor and revised brake ducts, while Audi submitted the most extensive list of upgrades, including a new floor and front wing. Other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari did not bring new parts this weekend, although Mercedes plans to introduce upgrades at the next race in Malaysia.
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.
via grandprix.comAudi submits 14 upgrades for Azerbaijan Grand PrixAudi has submitted 14 revised components for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing a significant aerodynamic upgrade package. Meanwhile, five teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, have opted to maintain their current setups.Page 1 of 5