The former Sauber team underwent a transition after being purchased by Audi, officially adopting the brand in 2022. This marked a significant shift in the team’s direction, culminating in the development of a new power unit at their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany. Gabriel Bortoleto, who made his F1 debut in 2025 with the former Kick Sauber team, has now taken the next step in his career with Audi.

Qualifying Performance at the Australian Grand Prix

On March 7, 2026, Bortoleto qualified 10th in Q1 and Q2 at the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing his potential in the new environment. His qualifying time in Q2 was 1:20.221, which was competitive, but he faced a drive issue that prevented him from completing Q3. His teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, qualified just behind him in 11th place with a time of 1:20.303.

Reactions to the Qualifying Results

After the qualifying session, Bortoleto expressed his satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “I’m happy with what the team has achieved. From now on, we keep working.” He acknowledged the disappointment of not being able to participate in Q3, emphasizing that it would have been a just reward for the team’s hard work.

Jonathan Wheatley, a key figure in the team, remarked, “Qualifying was extremely encouraging for the team, and seeing Gabi reach Q3 in Audi’s first race is a special moment for everyone involved.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding Bortoleto’s debut and the team’s future prospects.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, observers are eager to see how Bortoleto will adapt to the challenges of Formula 1 with Audi. He has already shown impressive potential, and his performance in Melbourne is seen as a promising start. Bortoleto himself commented, “I’m impressed that we have been able to go in the right direction and hopefully we keep going.” The team is expected to continue refining their performance as they build on this initial experience.

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The 2026 Formula One season commenced with the Australian Grand Prix qualifying on March 7, 2026, in Melbourne. As the drivers took to the track, anticipation was high, particularly for those aiming for top positions.

In a remarkable performance, George Russell secured pole position, marking a significant achievement for the Mercedes team. This success is particularly noteworthy as Mercedes drivers finished first and second, with Kimi Antonelli qualifying just behind Russell in second place.

Isack Hadjar also had an impressive outing, qualifying third, showcasing the competitive nature of the session. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualified fifth and sixth, respectively, indicating a strong showing from the home favorites.

However, the session was not without its challenges. Reigning champion Max Verstappen faced difficulties, ultimately qualifying in 20th place. His struggles were echoed in his comments, stating, “The formula is just not correct,” reflecting the frustrations faced by his team.

Lando Norris expressed his disappointment as well, stating, “It sucks,” and elaborated on the struggles of the car, saying, “We’ve come from the best cars ever made in Formula One and the nicest to drive, to probably the worst.”

Other notable qualifying positions included Fernando Alonso in 17th and Alex Albon in 15th, while the Williams team had drivers qualifying 15th and 21st. The Alpine team also faced challenges, with their drivers qualifying 14th and 16th.

The session highlighted the competitive landscape of Formula One, where teams are vying for every advantage on the track. The results from this qualifying session will have significant implications for the race ahead, as drivers and teams strategize based on their starting positions.

As the teams prepare for the race, the focus will be on how they can adapt and improve from this qualifying performance. The dynamics of the competition are set to unfold further as the season progresses.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact reasons behind the struggles faced by some of the top teams, including Verstappen’s Red Bull.

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