Bortoleto commits to Audi long-term: 'I have no exit clauses'

Gabriel Bortoleto has ended any speculation about his immediate future by confirming he is locked into Audi on a long-term deal with no exit clauses, insisting he is fully committed to the German manufacturer's lengthy Formula 1 rebuild. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who has contributed 10 of Audi's 12 points so far in 2026, says he bought into the project from day one and expects to remain a central part of it well beyond next season.

Why it matters:

Bortoleto's unequivocal pledge provides Audi with a rare fixed point during a season of heavy transition. In a sport where driver market rumors spin constantly, his commitment quiets speculation and reinforces team identity while the Swiss-based operation beds in a new car and power unit. His rapid growth from a raw rookie—one who entered F1 with minimal testing in modern machinery—to the team's clear points leader also suggests Audi has found a developmental cornerstone worth building around.

The details:

• Speaking to Motorsport.com's Brazilian edition, Bortoleto revealed his contract contains no exit clauses. "I'll be with Audi next year, and not only next year, but for the following years as well," he said.
• Team principal Mattia Binotto has publicly cited 2030 as the project's true horizon, a long-range target Bortoleto echoed. "I believed in it when I joined them, they believe in my potential," he noted.
• Currently 14th in the drivers' standings, Bortoleto has outpaced veteran teammate Nico Hülkenberg in the points column, staking an early claim as Audi's most productive driver during its maiden works campaign.
• The F2 graduate admitted he arrived in F1 "very raw," having done little more than a single TPC outing in Austria and a post-season Abu Dhabi test before his 2025 debut. He credits the steep learning curve of his first 18 months with transforming him behind the wheel.
• While declining to discuss Hülkenberg's contract situation, Bortoleto praised the German's experience and influence in the garage, while emphasizing his own security. "I believe in myself and I believe in my potential," he added.

What's next:

Audi is using 2026 to bed in an entirely new car and power unit, meaning expectations remain grounded even as the team searches for consistency. Bortoleto expects 2027 to mark the next tangible leap forward, with the real rewards likely arriving closer to Binotto's 2030 benchmark. For now, his focus is on continuing to score points, refine his craft, and help the outfit construct a credible midfield presence as the long-term project gathers momentum.