Gabriel Bortoleto gives an update on Audi ahead of Monaco: "We are competitive"

On the eve of his second Monaco Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto offers a nuanced assessment of Audi's start to the season. The Brazilian acknowledges shortcomings in traction, but defends the progress made by a team still under construction.

Five races, and already ups and downs. Gabriel Bortoleto He approaches the Monaco Grand Prix with the perspective of a driver who has learned to read the strengths and weaknesses of his car. For Audi, the results of the first few rounds are mixed: an encouraging ninth place in Australia in the very first race, a demonstrated ability to reach the top 10 in qualifying, but a lack of consistency in scoring points. “We’ve shown that chassis-wise, we’re not in a bad position and that we’re competitive. Most of the time in qualifying, we’re fighting to get into Q3 or we’re there. Then in the race, it’s a question of getting a good start and staying there.”

The main area of ​​focus identified by the Brazilian relates to traction — ease of daily driving, in traffic situations or when tires are deteriorating. "That's one area where we've struggled a bit this year.", he admits without hesitation. In Miami, the two Audis finished the race without incident, but without the pace needed to score points — an additional frustration for a team that knows it has the potential to do better.

"Here, one mistake can cost you a lap or even the car."

Regarding Monaco specifically, Gabriel Bortoleto is cautiously optimistic. The Principality's street circuit, with its omnipresent walls and very little room for error, demands a radically different approach from conventional routes. "Here, a mistake can cost you a lap or even the car. So naturally, you have to drive differently." A context that could paradoxically suit an Audi whose chassis qualities have been the most regularly praised this season.

More broadly, driver number 5 is careful to put Audi's performances into context — that of a team in its very first season in Formula 1 with a completely new powertrain. "They've done an incredible job getting the car to where it is. Fighting for top 10 finishes and good qualifying positions in its first year is already a remarkable achievement." Since the euphoria of Australia, expectations have calmed, and perhaps that's for the best: building a solid foundation, race after race, before aiming higher. Monaco could be the opportunity to mark that much-needed return to scoring points.

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