Gabriel Bortoleto showed strong pace in the qualifying session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, narrowly missing out on a spot in Q3 by just 0.001 seconds. Despite this, a grid penalty for Kimi Antonelli means Bortoleto will start the race from 10th position, giving him a solid platform to challenge for points.
The Audi driver expressed confidence in his performance, stating that he had maximised the potential of his car during qualifying. Bortoleto highlighted Audi’s competitiveness on demanding circuits, noting that the team has managed to secure four points finishes so far this season between himself and teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
Hulkenberg, who qualified 13th, pointed out Audi’s relative lack of straight-line speed compared to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. This factor could present challenges during the race, especially on a high-speed track like Monza.
Bortoleto’s near miss of Q3 was by the smallest of margins, with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari taking the final spot in the top 10. However, the grid penalty applied to Antonelli means Bortoleto will move up two places on the starting grid. This adjustment improves his chances of scoring points, which he believes is achievable given the car’s performance in qualifying.
The Audi team’s debut season in Formula 1® has seen promising moments, particularly on circuits that demand a balanced car and strong race pace. Bortoleto’s comments reflect a realistic optimism based on the team’s recent form and their ability to compete effectively under challenging conditions.
Hulkenberg’s assessment of Audi’s straight-line speed deficit compared to Mercedes and Ferrari underscores one of the technical challenges the team faces. While this may affect their top speed on Monza’s long straights, the team’s consistency and strategic approach have contributed to their points finishes so far.
Overall, the qualifying session at Monza highlighted Audi’s progress and Bortoleto’s potential to be involved in the points battle. His starting position combined with the team’s recent performances suggests that Audi remains competitive as the season continues.