Audi has become one of the inadvertent players in Formula 1‘s silly season, but its up-and-coming driver is clear: he is here to stay.
Gabriel Bortoleto has been a revelation since joining the team last year, in what was the last in its guise as Swiss outfit Sauber.
As the team morphed into Audi, the Hinwil-based German marque has been steadily progressing in its debut season, a feat made tougher by F1’s new complicated regulations cycle.
The Brazilian, who entered F1 off the back of successive Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles, currently has 10 points, eight more than veteran teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
But the driver market rumour mill has begun to churn considerably over the summer, and recent speculation has seen Carlos Sainz linked with the team once again.
The Spaniard turned down a chance to drive for the team and opted for Williams, but with the Grove-based squad suffering under the new regulations, Sainz’s name has been once again thrust into the reckoning.
But Bortoleto, talking to Brazil’s arm of Motorsport.com, revealed that conversations with the team’s project chief, Mattia Binotto, points continuously towards the long-term.
“As far as I can say, because it’s something that’s confidential, but let’s say there are no clauses,” he said.
“I have a long-term contract with Audi. I’ll be with Audi next year, and not only next year, but the following years as well.
“The intention, and I’ve always said this from the beginning, is a long-term project. Mattia always talks about a project until 2030. So, let’s put it that way.”
Gabriel Bortoleto ‘really enjoys’ Nico Hulkenberg partnership
Sainz has also recently been rumoured to be signing a new deal with Williams, according to reports in his native Spain, but the rumours with Audi remain.
If the four-time Grand Prix-winner was to join Audi, logic would dictate that Hulkenberg would be to the one to step aside, but regardless, Bortoleto was firm on his own future with the team, and spoke of his enjoyment of driving with the German.
“I can say that my spot is filled. I won’t comment on other people’s contracts, but I really enjoy working with Nico,” he continued.
“I want to make that very clear. He’s a fast, experienced guy who brings many positive things to the team. I trust in my potential and the work we’re doing.”
Bortoleto and Hulkenberg will be looking to continue Audi’s trajectory as F1 emerges from its summer hibernation this weekend in Zandvoort.
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