Gabriel Bortoleto highlighted that the main transformation of Audi compared to the former Sauber lies in the mindset adopted for the Formula 1 project. According to the Brazilian, the structure now works with more ambitious goals and with the vision of competing for titles in the future.
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Audi officially entered the category in 2026 after acquiring Sauber in installments, a move initiated after the release of the new regulations. In the first 11 races, the team scored 12 points in the Constructors’ Championship, with two eighth places by Bortoleto as their best results, despite the reliability issues faced at the start of the championship.
Asked in Zandvoort about what still remains of Sauber’s philosophy within the new structure, Bortoleto stated that the big difference is precisely in the way of thinking. “I think it is mainly the mindset that has changed. Obviously, Sauber had a long history in the sport, but it was always a team that was not among the best on the grid, nor was it a winner.”
The Brazilian emphasized that the people from the former Sauber always sought better results, but factors such as financial limitations hindered this progress. “Now, with Audi, all of that has changed. We have the full support of the brand, we have a new vision, new goals, and a different mindset that the leadership is implementing in the team.”
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For Bortoleto, this change also appears in the way the team reacts to current results. He acknowledged that, in the past, similar performances might have been more celebrated, but he considers it positive that Audi maintains a higher level of demand. “We are not here to finish in the positions we are now, but to fight for titles in the future.”
The driver added that this transformation continues happening month after month and can already be perceived internally. “The mindset obviously needs to change if we want to achieve this,” he said, reinforcing that Audi’s ambition goes beyond establishing itself in the middle of the grid and involves building a team capable of competing for championships.
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