Bortoleto Open to Verstappen's Future at Audi

Gabriel Bortoleto, a Red Bull junior driver, has expressed support for Max Verstappen potentially joining Audi's Formula 1 team. Bortoleto highlighted Verstappen's unique ability to build a championship-winning team, noting that "working together wouldn't be a bad thing" for the German manufacturer.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's value extends beyond driving; his crucial role in team development and fostering a winning culture is immense. This makes him exceptionally valuable for a new F1 entrant like Audi, which aims to establish itself among the elite.

The big picture:

Audi debuts as a factory team in 2026, targeting title contention by 2030. This timeline extends two years beyond Verstappen's current Red Bull contract (ends 2028). Such a gap fuels speculation about his future, especially if Red Bull's performance wavers post-regulation changes.

The details:

• Verstappen's influence: Bortoleto credited Verstappen for building Red Bull: "He won it [four titles] because he was in a team that... then he built it up with them and made them win."
• Driver's priorities: Verstappen consistently prioritizes team competitiveness. He has also hinted at exploring other racing and early retirement, adding layers to his future decisions.
• Audi's vision: Audi's COO Mattia Binotto projects the team will challenge for championships by 2030, aligning with Verstappen's winning ambitions.

What's next:

Verstappen's future beyond 2028 is uncertain. His decision will depend on F1's competitive landscape, Red Bull's long-term performance, and personal aspirations. A theoretical move to Audi remains an intriguing possibility in the evolving driver market.