In the context of Audi’s anticipated entry into Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone has expressed his belief that young driver Gabriel Bortoleto will pose a genuine challenge for his teammate, the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. This opinion comes just before the start of the new season, marking the German brand’s first official appearance in the championship following its acquisition of the Sauber team.
Bortoleto, who achieved significant success during his first season with Sauber, is considered a great talent by fans and experts alike, aligning with Audi’s strategy to tackle the challenges presented in the competition.
Ecclestone commented that the team has managed to bring together all the necessary elements for a good start in F1. This assertion is based on Audi’s positive results during race simulations, where the cars have demonstrated impressive performance and notably high reliability, surpassing the testing phases in Barcelona.
Furthermore, team principal Jonathan Wheatley has emphasized the project’s ambition, mentioning the efforts made by professionals in Neuberg, Hinwil, and Bicester to reach this crucial moment. As the championship approaches, Ecclestone has issued a warning, stating that competition will be intense with the Audi team achieving a good level of excellence.
In Ecclestone’s words, the current grid configuration makes all teams extraordinarily balanced, and he noted that Bortoleto is not only fast but also has the potential to become a future world champion. These expectations for the driver are high, but he is determined to prove his worth on the track from the very first practice.