Points on debut

A stunning result in the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season has seen the Audi Revolut F1 Team finish in the points in its first-ever Formula 1 race.

Gabriel Bortleto improved on his 10th place qualifying position to ultimately finish ninth, scoring two points for the team and writing history in the process.

His teammate Nico Hulkenberg was unfortunately sidelined ahead of the formation lap due to a technical issue which denied him the chance to likewise open his account in the championship, having qualified strongly in 11th position.

The result for the team overall though was a dream start in the world’s premiere motorsport category and demonstrates from the start that Audi is here to race.

“Gabi delivered an outstanding drive today. It was a very mature performance from start to finish,” said Jonathan Wheatley, Audi Revolut F1 Team Principal.

“The start wasn’t ideal, which we expected might be a challenge here, but he kept his composure, managed the race extremely well and showed great confidence throughout. We chose an aggressive strategy towards the end with the final pit stop to try and put pressure on the cars ahead, and with a slightly different scenario in the closing laps we might even have had the opportunity to fight for P8.”

“On the other side of the garage, it was obviously disappointing not to see Nico take the start. He was incredibly motivated for his first race with Audi Revolut F1 Team, so that was a difficult moment for him and for everyone in the team.

"Ultimately, leaving our first Grand Prix with P9 and points on the board is a fantastic way to begin our journey. It’s an historic moment for Audi Revolut F1 Team and something the whole team can be very proud of.”

For Bortoleto is was a dream start to the season, but the young Brazilian is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

“To finish in the points in our first event as Audi and writing a piece of motorsport history is something the whole team can be extremely proud of,” he said of the result.

“Overall, it is probably more than we could have expected from the first weekend. This result gives us a good baseline to build from, but we know there are still many areas where we can improve. There are a lot of races ahead of us, and our focus now is on continuing to learn, develop the car and come back even stronger at the next events.”

Earlier in the day, Audi Academy driver, Freddie Slater, also opened his account in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship. The young Brit was on the pace from the start, diving into second place from his qualifying third position straight after the start in his Trident Motorsport car – a position he retained to the end.

The first signing to the Audi Revolut F1 Driver Development Program by Director, Allan McNish, Slater’s performance bodes well not only for his own 2026 season but for the future of the Audi Revolut F1 Team

Before the start of the Australian Grand Prix, CEO of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, Mattia Binotto, visited the Audi Tracksuite Suite, and sharing his thoughts for the guests, spoke of how the team is very much here to compete and not just participate. Though realistic about the task ahead, Binotto said he was confident that with the commitment that has been shown by all involved in the Formula Team, that result could well come sooner than later. Sunday’s result certainly bears out that prediction and signals to the competition that Audi is certainly here to compete.