Bortoleto commits to Audi's F1 project through 2030 with long-term contract

Gabriel Bortoleto has confirmed he is tied to Audi F1 on a long-term contract that extends well beyond the 2027 season, dismissing any suggestion that performance clauses could accelerate a departure from the Swiss-German outfit.

The 21-year-old Brazilian, now in his second year in Formula 1, has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Audi in 2026, contributing 10 of the team’s 12 points so far. He currently sits 14th in the drivers’ championship, eight points adrift of Haas’ Oliver Bearman.

“As far as I can say, because it’s something confidential, let’s just say there are no clauses. I have a long-term contract with Audi. I’ll be with Audi next year, and not only next year, but for the following years as well,” Bortoleto told Motorsport.com’s Brazilian edition.

His Belgian Grand Prix weekend stood out as the season’s high-water mark. Bortoleto qualified ninth at Spa-Francorchamps — a circuit where Audi had anticipated difficulty given its power deficit relative to the leading manufacturers — and started eighth after Lando Norris received a grid penalty. He held his position throughout and resisted a late charge from Arvid Lindblad to secure four points.

Bortoleto framed his commitment to Audi in terms of the manufacturer’s broader ambitions rather than short-term results. Team principal Mattia Binotto has repeatedly cited 2030 as the horizon against which the project should be measured, and Bortoleto echoed that outlook.

“The intention, and I’ve always said this from the beginning, is that this is a long-term project. Mattia is always talking about 2030. It’s a project we really believe in. I believed in it when I joined them, they believe in my potential,” he said. “This year was the first step, building a new car and a new engine. Next year will be another step, and then we’ll be able to start putting things into practice.”

On the subject of team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto declined to comment on the veteran German’s contract status for 2027 but was emphatic about the value of their working relationship. The pair have developed a productive dynamic over the past 18 months, with Bortoleto regularly matching Hulkenberg on pace.

“I can say that my seat is secured. I’m not going to talk about other people’s contracts, but I really enjoy working with Nico. He’s fast, experienced and brings a lot of positive things to the team,” Bortoleto added. “I’m happy. I believe in myself and I believe in my potential.”

Audi entered Formula 1 as a constructor in 2026 following the rebranding of the Sauber operation, which Bortoleto joined a year earlier for its final season under the Sauber name, scoring 19 points as a rookie.