After facing the streets of the Principality for the first time in Formula 1 in 2025, Gabriel Bortoleto returns to Monte Carlo more experienced and with a greater understanding of the challenges that make the circuit one of the most difficult on the calendar.
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Among all Formula 1 circuits, few demand as steep a learning curve as Monaco.
The narrow streets, the proximity of the walls, and the need to find confidence centimeter by centimeter lead many drivers to state that it is impossible to fully understand the challenge of the Principality without experiencing it in practice. For Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2026 edition represents precisely the opportunity to put into action the lessons learned during his first experience on the circuit as a Formula 1 driver.
The Brazilian arrives in Monte Carlo for his second participation in motorsport’s premier category on the streets of the Principality. And, although the track is exactly the same, the experience gained over the last twelve months can make a difference in a weekend where experience usually carries significant weight.
The first contact with the reality of Formula 1 in Monaco
Every driver knows Monaco even before reaching Formula 1.
Junior categories usually pass through the circuit, simulators reproduce every curve of the track, and historical videos help to understand the complexity of the track. Still, the experience of driving a Formula 1 car in Monte Carlo is something that can hardly be compared to any other situation.
The speed of the cars, the proximity of the guard rails, and the demand for precision make adaptation a specific challenge for rookies.
In 2025, Bortoleto had the opportunity to experience this reality for the first time. As with most rookies, the weekend served not only to compete in the race but also to understand details that can only be learned when the car hits the track.
Experience usually makes a difference
Historically, Monaco is one of the circuits where experienced drivers usually find a natural advantage.
This doesn’t necessarily happen because they know the track better, but because they already understand how to evolve throughout the weekend. Knowing when to take more risks, understanding the track’s evolution, and gradually building confidence are fundamental factors for finding performance.
Read more The unforgiving circuit: why Monaco is F1’s ultimate test of precision
It is precisely in this aspect that Bortoleto arrives more prepared in 2026.
After a full season of learning in Formula 1 and a first pass through the streets of Monte Carlo, the Brazilian already has a concrete reference on the car’s behavior on the circuit and on the specific challenges he will encounter throughout the weekend.
A different challenge for Audi
In addition to the individual aspect, the Monaco GP also represents an interesting challenge for Audi. The circuit has very particular characteristics and tends to reduce the influence of some factors normally decisive on other tracks, such as engine power and high-speed aerodynamic efficiency.
This opens up space for midfield teams to find opportunities to surprise, especially if they can extract good performance during qualifying.
Although favoritism remains concentrated on the top teams, Monte Carlo frequently offers unexpected results throughout the weekend.
A new opportunity to show evolution
Since his arrival in Formula 1, Bortoleto has been accumulating mileage, experience, and learning against some of the best drivers in the world. The debut season served to understand how the category works, while 2026 represents a phase of consolidation within the grid.
In this context, returning to a circuit as specific as Monaco offers an interesting opportunity to measure this evolution.
The walls remain in the same places. The corners remain as challenging as before. But the driver who arrives in the Principality this year is more experienced than the one who competed in his first race on the streets of Monte Carlo twelve months ago.
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