With just a few days remaining until the Australian Grand Prix, Audi is preparing for its first-ever Formula 1 race. Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are eager to kick off this new season with the German manufacturer. Let’s take a closer look at their thoughts ahead of Melbourne.
Nico Hulkenberg’s words
“It’s incredibly exciting to head to Melbourne for the first race of an entirely new era and for the debut of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. It has been a long journey and a demanding process, but now, finally, we’re here: you can feel the team’s enthusiasm, even at the Hinwil and Neuburg facilities. The amount of work done behind the scenes has been immense, and now it’s time to turn all of that effort into action,” Nico Hulkenberg said.
“Albert Park is a unique circuit, more like a street track, and I’m not sure it will fully reveal the potential of every team. At the same time, it’s a place that can deliver chaotic races. It’s the perfect location to start the season, and I can’t wait to get back on track,” he concluded.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s perspective
After a season of learning, the Brazilian driver is ready to fully showcase his talent: “Starting a new season is always an exciting feeling, and this one is obviously special for all of us as we begin our journey as the Audi Revolut F1 Team. Pre-season was essential to familiarize ourselves with our new car and understand how it behaves under the new regulations. We’ve logged solid mileage, and I feel we made good use of that time to tick off all points on our program,” Gabriel Bortoleto admitted.
“It’s the first race of another long season, and it will be interesting to tackle all circuits again with a better understanding of them. At the same time, the new cars offer a reset for all drivers, regardless of experience, which could be a great opportunity. Our goal is to build a strong rhythm right from the start of the weekend and get the most out of the package,” he added.
While we wait to see how Audi’s weekend unfolds, below are the scheduled times for the Australian GP.
Building a brand alongside racing
Alongside its sporting debut, the Audi Revolut F1 Team is also strengthening its commercial and brand identity. To mark the start of the season, fintech company Revolut has unveiled a limited-edition official card dedicated to the team, crafted from the same type of titanium used on the 2026 R26 race car. Designed to engage fans directly, this initiative is part of Audi and Revolut’s strategy to make the Melbourne weekend a broader experience for the public. In addition to the dedicated card, official merchandise promotions and a series of city events are planned, including “OverTake: The After Party,” organized to celebrate the inaugural season of the team led on track by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks a monumental shift in the sport’s landscape. The combination of Nico Hulkenberg’s veteran experience and Gabriel Bortoleto’s youthful ambition provides the perfect foundation for the German manufacturer to navigate the complexities of the new technical regulations. While Albert Park is known for its unpredictable nature, the Audi Revolut F1 Team enters the weekend with a clear focus on reliability and steady progression. This first race in Melbourne is not just about the result on the stopwatch, but about validating years of engineering and strategic planning. As the lights go out on Sunday, the eyes of the motorsport world will be on the R26 to see if this new chapter can begin with a points-scoring performance.
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