Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto was unable to capitalize on a 9th place start at the 2026 F1 Dutch GP, coming home in 13th. The Brazilian had an auspicious start, spinning out behind Max Verstappen’s crash on lap 1 and nearly collecting teammate Nico Hülkenberg in the process.
“I thought I was gonna crash in that moment. But I think the banking obviously helps you to keep in the low side. And I don’t know, I just managed to do a 360.”
Banked corner + moisture = chaos
Bortoleto said that the grip issue was limited to just the fast, high-banked Luyendyk corner, difficult even in ideal circumstances. Turns 13 and P4 were very wet thanks to rain that fell before the Grand Prix.
“It was just that corner, if I’m very honest with you. It was slick, like full wet, that place. I think that’s why Max lost it. And it was the same. I mean, I was on the downside of the banking. And I did a little reaction to the left, I think, when I saw big smoke coming ahead. And when I did that, I just went as well.”
Bortoleto goes from sliding sideways to sliding backwards
After Bortoleto recovered, he was unable to regain his place in the 2026 F1 Dutch GP. His best position was 12th, but was passed by Arvid Lindblad’s Racing Bulls car on lap 54. Bortoleto said he and Audi knew what the problems were, but were puzzled as to the solution.
He had undercut early doors attempting to regain positions but it ultimately fell short of working.
“I don’t know. Let’s check the data now with the team and study everything. There were a few things happening today that—actually, they were there before the race even started. We knew it. But yeah, things happen and we learn from them.”
”Bigger topic thing” stifles Bortoleto’s 2026 F1 Dutch GP
When asked if this was going to be a lingering concern, Bortoleto said “I think it’s just this weekend.”
But, by his account, the problems were widespread.
“I think it’s a bigger topic thing. It’s not that simple. I think it’s something that put us completely out of the race, in my point of view.
“Nothing could have been done. The team did everything they could. I mean, they did a fantastic job trying to fix it.”
