Audi Scores Points on Formula 1 Debut at the Australian Grand Prix

Audi’s long-awaited return to the top level of motorsport got off to a promising start this weekend, as the Audi Revolut F1 Team scored points in its very first race at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto delivered a composed and determined drive, climbing from P10 on the grid to finish ninth, securing two championship points and writing the first chapter of Audi’s Formula 1 story.

Bortoleto Delivers on Debut​

Despite a tricky start, Bortoleto kept calm and ran a smart race in what turned out to be a busy and sometimes chaotic Grand Prix under the new 2026 regulations.

Running a Medium–Hard–Hard strategy, the Brazilian kept himself in the fight throughout the race and ultimately brought the R26 home in the points.

His fastest lap of the race came on Lap 45 with a 1:23.257, underlining the car’s solid pace over a full stint.

Speaking after the race, Bortoleto said:

“Finishing in the points in our first race as Audi and being part of this moment in motorsport history is something the whole team can be extremely proud of.
The car ran reliably all day and that’s a great reward for the work everyone put in over the winter. There’s still a lot for us to learn, but this gives us a strong starting point for the season.”

Hulkenberg Sidelined Before the Start​

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the same story on the other side of the garage.

Nico Hülkenberg, who had qualified a strong 11th, was unable to start the race after a technical issue developed on the way to the grid. The problem couldn’t be resolved before the formation lap, leaving the German with a DNS on Audi’s debut weekend.

Hülkenberg remained positive despite the disappointment:

“It’s frustrating not to take part in the race, especially after a solid weekend up to that point. The team is investigating what happened.
On the positive side, it’s great to see the team score points through Gabi – that’s a fantastic way to start Audi’s Formula 1 journey.”

A Historic Start for Audi​

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley praised the team’s opening performance and Bortoleto’s racecraft.

“Gabi delivered a very mature drive today. The start was difficult, which we expected, but he managed the race brilliantly and showed great confidence throughout.
We tried an aggressive strategy towards the end, and with slightly different circumstances we might even have been able to fight for P8.
Leaving our first Formula 1 race with points on the board is a fantastic way to begin this project.”

Next Stop: China​

With two points already on the board, Audi now turns its attention to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai next weekend, where the team will look to build on its encouraging debut and continue learning in the opening phase of the season.

For Audi fans, it’s only the beginning - but the four rings are officially on the Formula 1 scoreboard.