Gabriel Bortoleto is looking forward to racing in front of his home fans at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix after scoring four valuable points for Audi in Mexico. The Brazilian driver hopes to give his supporters something to celebrate at Interlagos, while the team aims to close the remaining four-point gap to Haas in the battle for seventh place in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship.
Audi gained three points on Haas at the Mexico City Grand Prix thanks to Gabriel Bortoleto’s performance, strengthening its position ahead of an important weekend in Brazil. The team will be hoping to capitalise on the home advantage enjoyed by its Brazilian driver, as well as Nico Hülkenberg’s familiarity with the Interlagos circuit.
Audi targets Haas in F1 Constructors’ Championship battle
The four points Gabriel Bortoleto collected in Mexico provided an important boost for Audi, particularly after a challenging weekend in which the team completed very little running. Despite those difficulties, the Brazilian driver helped reduce the deficit to Haas to just four points in the fight for seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship.
With the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos approaching, Audi will look to build on that result and continue closing the gap to its direct rival.
The team is also hoping that both drivers’ connections with the Brazilian circuit will provide additional motivation. For Gabriel Bortoleto, it is an opportunity to compete in front of his home crowd, while Nico Hülkenberg returns to a track that holds special memories for him.
Gabriel Bortoleto excited for home Brazilian GP after Mexico points finish
Gabriel Bortoleto was encouraged by the team’s recovery in Mexico, particularly considering the limited track time available throughout the weekend. Although he acknowledged that Audi still has areas to improve, he believes the points finish provides positive momentum heading into his home Grand Prix.
“It was nice to come away from Mexico with some points in the bag, especially after such a challenging weekend in which we had very little running,” Gabriel Bortoleto said. “We worked hard to recover and, although there’s still a lot to improve, it’s definitely a positive result to take with me into my home race.”
The Brazilian then reflected on the significance of competing at Interlagos, where he experienced the support of his home crowd from behind the wheel for the first time last year.
“Racing in Brazil will always be something very special for me. Last year was my first experience driving in front of my home crowd, and the support I received was incredible.”
“I grew up dreaming of moments like this, so being able to experience them now, with the Brazilian fans cheering me on, means a lot. I can’t wait to get back to Interlagos, and I hope I can give everyone something to celebrate.”
Nico Hülkenberg hopes for stronger weekend at Interlagos
Nico Hülkenberg is equally enthusiastic about returning to Brazil, describing Interlagos as one of his favourite circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. The German particularly appreciates its traditional layout, passionate atmosphere and unpredictable weather conditions.
“Brazil is always one of my favourite races of the year,” Nico Hülkenberg explained. “Interlagos is a proper old-school circuit, with a fantastic atmosphere and some really special memories for me.”
“It’s a short, intense lap, and the weather can always throw up a few surprises, which makes everything more interesting.”
With Gabriel Bortoleto preparing for his home race, Nico Hülkenberg also recognised the importance of the occasion for Audi as a whole. After a difficult Mexican Grand Prix for the German driver, he is hoping for a more productive weekend in São Paulo.
“With it being Gabi’s home race, it’s a special weekend for him and the whole team. I’m looking forward to going back, and hopefully having a more positive weekend than Mexico.”
For Audi, the Brazilian Grand Prix represents another opportunity to gain ground in the 2026 Formula 1 championship. With only four points separating the team from Haas in the Constructors’ standings, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will be aiming to turn their enthusiasm for Interlagos into another valuable result.
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