Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has identified young Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto as a potential surprise podium finisher in the 2026 F1 season. The Dutchman, who has developed a close personal and professional relationship with Bortoleto, expressed hope that the 21-year-old Brazilian could achieve a standout result amid the upcoming season’s fresh challenges.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s rise through the motorsport ranks has been rapid and impressive. The Brazilian driver secured the 2024 Formula 2 championship after a hard-fought campaign, narrowly defeating Isack Hadjar, now a Red Bull driver, in a dramatic finale. Following this success, Audi selected Bortoleto as one of their first drivers as they transitioned from the Sauber outfit to their own works team in 2025 and 2026, partnering him with experienced racer Nico Hulkenberg.
Despite driving a Sauber chassis that was notoriously difficult to handle during his rookie F1 season in 2025, Bortoleto showcased his talent with consistent points finishes and adaptability. He ended the year with 19 points, highlighted by a noteworthy sixth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he impressively finished ahead of Verstappen himself. Now entering his second year with Audi under a completely new set of technical regulations, Bortoleto is set to face an unpredictable but promising challenge.
Over this period, Bortoleto and Verstappen have formed a strong bond, with the Red Bull driver praising the young Brazilian’s composure and on-track performances. Verstappen has taken on something of a mentorship role and has been vocal about his belief in Bortoleto’s potential to cause surprises on the grid.
During the recent Red Bull launch event, when asked about possible unexpected podium finishers for the 2026 season, Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar jokingly hoped it would be neither of them. Verstappen then added:
I would like to see Gabi (Bortoleto) on the podium.
?Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 World Champion
Bortoleto’s potential podium appearance next year would indeed be unexpected. Audi’s new R26 car, debuting as part of the manufacturer’s first full works campaign since acquiring Sauber, remains largely unproven. Previously, the Sauber team ran on Ferrari power units, but Audi is now entering Formula 1 with its own powertrain and infrastructure, heralding a new chapter for the German outfit.
The 2026 season is widely anticipated to be one of the most transformative in recent memory, driven by sweeping technical regulation changes. Following the initial pre-season test in Barcelona, scheduled further test sessions in Bahrain will provide teams additional time to develop and adapt before the season opener in Australia on March 8. Audi’s trajectory throughout this period will be closely watched, especially with talents like Bortoleto aiming to capitalize on the evolving landscape.
Verstappen Shares Thoughts on Red Bull’s Pre-Season Testing in Barcelona
Max Verstappen reflected on Red Bull’s performance during the Barcelona pre-season test, acknowledging both the progress made and the work still ahead as teams adjust to the new rules. The Dutch driver noted that while Red Bull has made a strong start in refining their 2026 car, the complex nature of this season’s regulations means continuous effort will be necessary.
At the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, Verstappen expressed initial satisfaction with how quickly the team got up to speed but cautioned that the formula remains a significant challenge for everyone involved. He stated:
Still work in progress, but I think we’ve hit the ground running quite well with those things. It’s still a very complicated formula for everyone, there’s still quite a bit of work to do, but that’s normal,
?Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver
Looking forward to the season, Verstappen will begin 2026 with a new teammate for the second consecutive year, as Isack Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda, meanwhile, will serve as reserve driver for Red Bull at their Milton Keynes base. The team is also undergoing leadership shifts; for the first time since 2005, neither Christian Horner nor Helmut Marko will be present in the garage during race weekends, marking a significant change in the Red Bull operation.
Audi’s Entry and the 2026 Season’s Uncertain Landscape
Audi’s step into Formula 1 as a fully-fledged works team in 2026 introduces a captivating element to the season’s unfolding storylines. Having acquired the Sauber team, Audi transitions from a customer team reliant on Ferrari’s power units to developing its own car and engine package. This fresh competition will test the brand’s engineering capabilities against established teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Bortoleto’s presence as one of Audi’s young talents will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. His early results, including multiple points finishes amid a demanding 2025 campaign, have demonstrated both skill and resilience. Achieving a podium position, or even a top-five finish, would signal both a personal breakthrough for the driver and a milestone for the German manufacturer on the F1 grid.
The uncertainty surrounding Audi’s new R26 car performance adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 season. Teams have been probing their designs during pre-season testing, and as more data emerges, the potential for surprise results increases. Verstappen’s public endorsement of Bortoleto underscores a shared belief that the young driver’s talent could shine bright in this environment.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from the 2026 Campaign
The 2026 Formula 1 season promises a mixture of fresh faces, technical innovation, and shifting team dynamics. The season opener in Australia on March 8 will kick off a year shaped by regulatory overhauls, manufacturer competition, and evolving team leadership. For Audi and Bortoleto, the campaign represents both a challenge and an opportunity to stake their claim in the sport’s highest echelon.
Verstappen’s hopes for a surprise podium finish by his protégé reflect broader optimism among fans eager to see new talent flourish amid the sport’s changing landscape. As pre-season testing continues in Bahrain and teams finalize preparation, expectations remain high for breakthroughs and compelling rivalries.
The combination of Verstappen’s experience, Bortoleto’s rapid rise, and Audi’s ambitious entry creates a captivating subplot to the wider 2026 season narrative. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the 21-year-old can translate potential into podium success, providing one of the year’s most inspiring stories.
