With the 2026 calendar here, the newly branded Audi Revolut F1 Team have done as well as could be expected as they continue to find their proverbial feet, and drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are playing their part in helping to keep them on the map as the Team grows and learns - and hopefully moves closer to their stated lofty ambitions.
With all of the recent regulatory and car dynamics changes that have taken place as F1 continues its sustainability drive, whilst attempting to marry exciting spectator entertainment and the drivers enjoyment of the experience, this years calendar has already thrown up plenty of thrills and spills, particularly for those race fans who make the most of the best betting apps available, and last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort was no different on that front.
The drama began in the opening lap as race followers will be aware, as Red Bull's Max Verstappen crashed out sensationally at the final corner. It was not the only hiccup that entertained the broadcast cameras though, and Audi had a moment of their own, leading to boss Allan McNish proudly announcing his praise for the 39 year old German as he met with Motorsport Week and the wider media the other day as the dust began to settle on the weekend's events.
At one point, team mate Bortoleto momentarily lost the car and went into a spin, creating a smokescreen that plunged into the path of the cars behind him. Hulkenberg trailed him closely at the point and a side collusion looked odds on for the majority of those watching their screens, but the German's inner Vorsprung durch Technik saw him react instantly despite the natural high speed at play. His reflexes, despite not being able to see clearly at that moment, saw him dart left and avoid a collision - leaving the Brazilian to regain control, and continue his own race.
Praising both drivers for their handling of the moment, Hulkenberg came in for particular praise with McNish citing his '****** good save' as one of the moments of the race.
"I watch their two onboards and am live every second with them, which is why I'm turning grey very quickly at times!"
Speaking about a drivers natural ability to think and feel their way out of a spin, with not everyone having that innate instinct, he praised Bortoleto's composure to keep the car in 'the middle of the circuit' as opposed to letting it basically 'spoon up into the wall'. Hulkenberg's praise obviously centred on his reflexes in the moment, and the consistency to which he makes those decisions correctly when the pressure is on in potentially detrimental situations.
Fans will be waiting with baited breath to see what the next hiccup might be.
