Jonas LeoGabriel Bortoleto, the rising Brazilian talent, is set to embark on his second season in Formula 1 with the newly rebranded Audi F1 team. Despite the inherent progression from rookie to sophomore, Bortoleto has affirmed that his foundational approach to preparation remains steadfast, mirroring the meticulous methodology he adopted for his debut year. His steadfastness comes as the sport gears up for a significant overhaul of its technical regulations in 2026, presenting a fresh slate of challenges and opportunities for both drivers and manufacturers.
Speaking at the official Audi F1 launch event in Berlin, Bortoleto articulated his consistent philosophy when queried about his preparations for the 2026 campaign. "To be honest, the same way I approached my rookie season," he explained, emphasizing a disciplined and unwavering mindset. "The approach of being professional and working hard is always the same, and I feel like I never really took the rookie title as a thing in F3 or F2 or F1 – it’s just another new season." This perspective underscores a maturity beyond his years, treating each competitive year as a fresh challenge rather than a continuation bound by past labels. For Bortoleto, the focus is unequivocally on personal growth and performance: "For me it’s just going to be all about working hard and preparing [for] the season as much as I can as well as learning from my mistakes." This self-critical yet proactive stance is characteristic of elite athletes aiming for sustained success at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The 2026 season marks a pivotal moment for Formula 1, with sweeping new technical regulations poised to reshape the sport’s landscape. The most significant changes revolve around the power units, which will feature an increased electrical component, aiming for a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, alongside a move to fully sustainable fuels. Aerodynamic regulations are also set to evolve, with a focus on creating more agile cars that promote closer racing and reduce reliance on complex aerodynamic devices for following. These changes necessitate extensive development in the simulator, an environment where drivers can contribute to the car’s evolution long before hitting the track. For a driver like Bortoleto, still relatively new to the F1 environment but with a solid foundation from his junior categories, adapting to these new parameters will be paramount. The transition from the current generation of cars to the 2026 machinery will require a deep understanding of energy management, throttle control, and how the new aerodynamic principles affect handling and race craft.
Bortoleto’s 2026 season will also be defined by his integral role in Audi’s ambitious entry into Formula 1. The German automotive giant is taking over the Sauber team, a long-standing fixture in the F1 paddock with a rich history dating back to 1993. Sauber, which competed as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in 2025, finished 8th in the Constructors’ Championship that year, showcasing glimpses of potential despite often operating with more modest resources compared to some of its rivals. Audi’s full factory backing and significant investment are expected to propel the team up the grid, with a long-term vision to challenge for championships. Bortoleto’s retention by the new Audi entity signals confidence in his capabilities and his potential to grow with the team. His rookie season in 2025, where he finished 19th in the Drivers’ Championship, provided invaluable experience in navigating the complexities of F1 machinery, race strategy, and the intense competitive environment. While the team’s overall performance was limited by the car’s development cycle and existing infrastructure, Bortoleto demonstrated consistent progression and a keen ability to extract performance, often outperforming expectations in qualifying and race conditions. His best result came with a P12 finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, a testament to his adaptability and race craft.
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Prior to his Formula 1 debut, Bortoleto established an impressive track record in the junior categories, which provided the bedrock for his professional approach. He clinched the FIA Formula 3 Championship title in 2023, demonstrating exceptional consistency and race management skills. His transition to Formula 2 in 2024 saw him finish a commendable third in the championship standings, securing multiple podiums and a maiden victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. This rapid ascent through the feeder series, often characterized by cutthroat competition and immense pressure, instilled in him the disciplined work ethic he now applies to Formula 1. His ability to adapt quickly to new machinery and extract performance from challenging situations has been a recurring theme throughout his career, making him a valuable asset as Audi prepares for its F1 debut.
In preparation for the season ahead, Bortoleto has been dedicating substantial time to simulator work, a crucial component of modern F1 development, particularly with new regulations on the horizon. His commitment is such that he openly admits to preferring continuous engagement over a traditional off-season break. "Oh, a lot. How many days is difficult to say. At home I was doing sim every day," he revealed, highlighting an almost insatiable appetite for preparation. This level of dedication is increasingly common among top-tier drivers, who recognize the simulator as an indispensable tool for understanding new car characteristics, refining driving techniques, and collaborating with engineers on setup development. Bortoleto’s sentiment regarding the winter break further underscores his profound commitment: "If I could, I wouldn’t even have a winter break. It was nice to spend a bit of time with family but I feel like after five days I was already feeling a bit useless. I was away from the factory and the team, I was like, ‘I want to go back.’" This quote illustrates not just a professional dedication, but a genuine passion for the sport and a relentless pursuit of improvement, viewing downtime as a missed opportunity for progress.
The initial phase of pre-season preparations has already commenced, with Bortoleto participating in private testing sessions. He recently completed his first day of testing in Barcelona, providing an early glimpse into the development trajectory for the 2026 car. While his day was cut short after 27 laps due to a technical issue, Bortoleto expressed satisfaction with the progress made, confirming the stoppage was a precautionary measure rather than a significant setback. These private tests are vital for shakedowns, initial data gathering, and validating simulator correlations, allowing the team to identify and address any nascent issues away from the intense scrutiny of official sessions. The data collected from these early runs will be fed back into the development cycle, informing further design iterations and simulator programs.
Looking ahead, the team’s pre-season testing schedule is set to intensify. Private testing will continue for the remainder of the current week, providing more opportunities for Bortoleto and the team to gather crucial data and refine their understanding of the new car. These sessions will be followed by two blocks of official pre-season testing in Bahrain, scheduled for February 11-13 and February 18-20. The Bahrain tests, conducted at the circuit that traditionally hosts the season opener, offer the most comprehensive opportunity for teams to evaluate their cars in a representative competitive environment, pushing performance limits and fine-tuning setups before the championship battle officially begins. For Bortoleto and Audi, these sessions will be critical in establishing a baseline for the 2026 season and signaling their intentions on the grid.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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