By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Audi Revolut F1 Team leaves the Miami with heads held high, buoyed by a performance that underscored the car’s pace and the team’s unwavering grit.
Despite the unpredictable nature of race day, the weekend was defined by an impressive recovery drive from Gabriel Bortoleto, whose charge through the field serves as a powerful momentum-builder for the Audi Revolut F1 Team as they head to the Canadian Grand Prix on 24 May.
The afternoon began with disappointment for Nico Hülkenberg. Starting from a promising position, Hülkenberg was caught in a squeeze at Turn 1, requiring an immediate front-wing change. Despite the team’s quick work, a subsequent technical complication forced the retirement of car 27.
Conversely, Gabriel Bortoleto showcased remarkable composure. After starting from the rear of the field, the young driver executed a disciplined strategy, moving from new medium to hard tyres on lap 32. His consistent pace and clinical overtaking saw him claw back several positions to finish 12th, narrowly missing out on a points-paying position.
Allan McNish, Racing Director: “It’s been a challenging weekend overall for us. Gabi delivered a very strong drive today, working his way back with good pace, composure and some well-judged overtaking that underlines the potential in the car. Equally, a lot of credit goes to the team, particularly the mechanics, who responded to a very difficult day yesterday with real determination and focus. That’s the spirit that continues to push us forward.”
“For Nico, it was frustrating. He was squeezed into Turn 1, which meant an early front wing change, and unfortunately a subsequent technical issue forced his retirement. From his starting position, he was very much in contention for points, so that’s clearly disappointing.
“Our priority now is to ensure we consistently convert that potential into results. We will take the learnings from this weekend, reset over the break, and come back ready to maximise the opportunity in Montreal.”
Nico Hülkenberg (Car 27): “It’s obviously not how we wanted to finish the weekend. We had a technical issue and had to retire, which is frustrating because the aim is always to be out there racing to the end. Overall, it’s been a challenging weekend. We’ll regroup, understand what happened and keep pushing. Staying persistent is key – that effort will pay off, and that’s what we’re focused on going forward.”
Gabriel Bortoleto (Car 5): “I feel like the pace was there to fight for the points, but when you start last, there’s not much you can do. I made my way through the back of the field, there was some good pace and some good moves, but just not enough time to overtake. Considering I started last and finished P12, I think it was a solid result. I’m really proud of the team and the work they did to get the car out there yesterday, and we’ll keep going.”
The Audi Revolut F1 Team will now return to base to prepare for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, looking to capitalise on the lessons learned in the Florida heat.