Bortoleto: Audi is an 'entirely different operation' after Sauber takeover

Gabriel Bortoleto has offered an honest assessment of Audi's takeover, explaining that the team's mentality and daily operations have transformed entirely since the German manufacturer replaced Sauber at the start of the 2026 regulations. The Brazilian rookie insists that with full factory backing and a dedicated power unit program in Neuburg, the outfit is now operating in a completely different reality than the resource-limited team of previous years.

Why it matters:

Sauber endured seasons hamstrung by tight budgets and uncertain futures, leaving them mired in the lower midfield despite flashes of potential. Audi's arrival as a fully committed manufacturer has not only stabilized the Hinwil operation financially but also given it a clear identity and long-term mission—factors that are essential for attracting talent and climbing the Formula 1 pecking order.

The details:

• Bortoleto described a profound cultural shift, noting that staff are approaching their work with renewed purpose and confidence compared to the previous era.
• Financial stability: Audi's backing has eliminated the budget struggles that previously restricted development, allowing the team to invest properly in personnel and infrastructure.
• Power unit debut: The Neuburg facility produced its first Formula 1 engine under the new 2026 regulations without prior experience in the sport. Bortoleto called the achievement "incredible" but acknowledged that performance and reliability gains are still required.
• The driver admitted the team knows it is behind established rivals, yet feels the foundation being laid is strong enough to support future progress.

What's next:

As Audi settles into its first season as a full constructor, the priority is to extract lessons from its debut power unit while upgrading the chassis package through the remainder of 2026. Bortoleto believes the improved mentality and manufacturing capability mean the project is positioned to accelerate its development rate, with stronger results expected once the initial teething problems are resolved.