Audi confirms Hulkenberg and Bortoleto for 2027 F1 season

Audi has confirmed it will retain Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Team principal Mattia Binotto announced the decision ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating that Audi simply exercised the extension clauses in both drivers' contracts. The pairing will now enter a third consecutive season together.

Why it matters:

The confirmation brings stability to Audi's factory project during its debut season. By keeping the experienced Hulkenberg alongside the rapidly developing Bortoleto, Audi can build continuity while refining its new power unit. It also indicates the team is happy with the drivers' progress and sees no need for a change in the driver market.

The details:

• Binotto said: "We have a confirmed lineup which we are happy with," adding there was no necessity to announce it earlier.
• Audi has scored points in five of the last six races, moving up to eighth in the constructors' championship.
• Bortoleto leads the intra-team scoring with 10 points to Hulkenberg's seven.
• Hulkenberg's consistency: Binotto praised the veteran's racecraft, saying he "consistently delivers," makes very few mistakes, and exploits the car's potential whenever there is an opportunity.
• Bortoleto's growth: The Brazilian is still in a learning phase, but Binotto sees his confidence growing race by race. He highlighted Bortoleto's single-lap speed in qualifying and his increasing pace, with only a couple of mistakes that are part of the learning process.

What's next:

Hulkenberg and Bortoleto will continue as Audi's driver line-up into 2027. With development ongoing at the Hinwil factory and the power unit project taking shape, this stable pairing will be key to extracting performance and pushing the team up the grid.