Gabriel Bortoleto Expresses ‘Full Confidence’ in Audi Power Unit Evolution Following Historic Points Debut

Gabriel Bortoleto backs Audi to become a top F1 engine manufacturer despite power deficits and reliability issues during their Australian GP debut.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 9:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Motorsport.com

Encouraging Results Amidst Technical Teething Issues

The Audi F1 Team’s transition from the Sauber operation to a full-scale factory effort began with a productive, yet challenging, weekend in Melbourne. While Gabriel Bortoleto delivered a solid points-scoring finish, the team was plagued by reliability concerns. Nico Hulkenberg was unable to take the start due to powertrain complications, and Bortoleto himself missed significant running in Q3 because of mechanical failures. Despite these setbacks, the Brazilian driver remains optimistic, noting that the team is fully aware of the technical gaps it must bridge to compete with established manufacturers.

Navigating the 2026 Power Deficit

The Albert Park Circuit highlighted a noticeable performance gap between the Audi R26 and the power units of rivals who have refined hybrid technology over the past decade. Bortoleto acknowledged that Audi is effectively starting from scratch compared to manufacturers with 15 years of hybrid development. However, he emphasized that the team’s understanding of its power shortcomings is the first step toward parity. According to Bortoleto, the question is not whether Audi will reach the top tier of engine performance, but simply a matter of how quickly the development cycle can accelerate.

The ADUO System: A Lifeline for New Manufacturers

To ensure competitive balance in the new era, the FIA has implemented the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) protocol. This system assesses engine performance every six races; if a manufacturer’s internal combustion engine falls more than 2% behind the power benchmark, they are granted additional upgrade windows. For Audi, this represents a strategic pathway to closing the gap to the frontrunners. However, the timing of these upgrades remains uncertain due to potential regional instability that could disrupt the early-season calendar.