Former Method 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone believes Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto “will probably be a risk” to his skilled team-mate Nico Hulkenberg because the German model begins its first season this yr.
Audi’s entry into the championship this yr has been extremely anticipated by followers for the reason that takeover of the Sauber staff. Whereas the 4 rings of the model have been seen in plenty of promotional actions for the reason that information broke of its funding, 2026 is the primary season the place followers will see the automobile on the grid.
After a powerful first yr at Sauber, the younger Bortoleto is seen by many as an upcoming expertise, one which Ecclestone believes may problem his older team-mate.
“They’ve now gathered all of the components for a profitable first yr in Method 1,” Ecclestone instructed Sport.de after a fast Audi shocked viewers in race simulations. And with the outfit bringing its personal Audi-built energy unit to the battle, it was impressively dependable with only some points that restricted working in Barcelona.
It ended its second stint of testing with 357 laps recorded. And whereas its drivers have been relatively shtum round expectations, they’re silently optimistic.
“I believe we have talked lots in regards to the ambition within the mission and what’s been achieved already is unimaginable,” staff principal Jonathan Wheatley mentioned through the second take a look at. “We are the first staff to run this new era of Method 1 automobile, everybody right here is aware of what that takes with a purpose to go sure deadlines to get there.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Workforce
Photograph by: Steven Tee / LAT Photos through Getty Photos
“I believe it reveals an ambition within the staff as nicely. An incredible job that is occurred in Neuberg and Hinwil and naturally in Bicester – a vastly gifted staff of individuals who put quite a lot of effort into it and we’re sat right here as nicely with a model, not only a model new energy unit, however a powertrain.
“And to be the place we’re and obtain the mileage that we achieved final week is vastly encouraging however you recognize it is an formidable journey we’re on and we’re just a little approach away from the place we might ideally be in the meanwhile.”
From the place Ecclestone is sitting, he is excited for Audi to have the ability to capitalise on the brand new rules.
“All of the groups are intently matched. Audi can undoubtedly be aggressive there,” he mentioned, earlier than including that Bortoleto “will probably be a risk” to Hulkenberg, describing him as “very quick and a possible future world champion.”
These are excessive expectations for the younger driver, who will probably be eager to fulfil them if he has the possibility.
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