Formula 1 started the Miami GP weekend with Audi’s progress. The team bounced back after a difficult FP1 and came very close to placing both of their cars in SQ3 of the Sprint Qualifying.
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The performance reinforces the balance of the midfield pack, where small differences define positions. Even without advancing to SQ3, the team showed progress and maintains expectations of gaining positions in the Sprint.
After difficulties in FP1, the team adjusted the car and showed significant improvement in the Sprint Qualifying. Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th in SQ2, while Nico Hülkenberg was 12th, both separated by just a few hundredths from the qualifying zone.
Race director Allan McNish highlighted the team’s progress. “It was a good recovery after a complicated FP1, and the qualifying was very tight. Both drivers were just a few hundredths away from SQ3, which shows how small the margins are,” he said.
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Bortoleto also gave a positive assessment of the performance, despite the frustration of not advancing. “I’m a bit disappointed not to make it to SQ3, it was very close and we had potential. At the same time, I’m happy because we had problems in FP1 and still managed to improve. The car took a good step,” said the Brazilian.
Hülkenberg highlighted the team’s consistent pace and projected the rest of the weekend. “It was a decent session, we extracted what was possible. Our race pace has been solid, so the focus now is to put everything together when it really matters,” he commented.
Based on the reaction between sessions and the balance shown, Audi arrives at the Sprint with real chances to advance on the grid and consolidate the progress made in Miami.
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