How does Audi rate Bortoleto's performance in his second season in F1?

Gabriel Bortoleto has made a strong impression during his second Formula 1 campaign, and according to Audi Racing Director Allan McNish, the Brazilian's maturity under pressure and infectious enthusiasm have already become valuable assets for the team.

Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, McNish explained that while his own decades of experience in Formula 1 and endurance racing allow him to offer guidance, Bortoleto's development is supported by the entire team, including his experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg.

McNish believes his background gives him a unique perspective when analysing the young driver's performances.

"Everybody leans on their experiences. I've got experience inside the cockpit and also outside the cockpit. Without doubt, I can tell you, when I'm watching FP1 or FP2 this afternoon, I'm watching the onboards and living it from the cockpit in a way, and that definitely does have some advantages."

At the same time, the three-time Le Mans winner stressed that experience alone is not the key to helping a talented young driver.

"I can't teach Gabi how to drive, because he knows that already. I think that's pretty clear and safe. But there are definitely experiences that I've had that will come up in his career at some point, and I think having someone who has been through it is an advantage in these situations."

McNish also emphasised that Bortoleto's learning process extends beyond his conversations with him: "I don't think Gabi just necessarily takes things from me. I think he also takes things from everybody in the team, but also Nico as well."

The Audi Racing Director highlighted the collaborative relationship between the team's two drivers, describing Hülkenberg's experience and Bortoleto's youthful energy as complementary strengths that help move the team forward.

Asked what stands out most about Bortoleto as a driver, McNish immediately pointed to the Brazilian's mental composure during a difficult qualifying session at Silverstone.

After a problem early in qualifying left Bortoleto with only one opportunity to secure a place beyond Q1, the rookie delivered under intense pressure.

"When we had a problem in Silverstone in qualifying, and he only got one run to get out at the end of Q1, that was a really good point. Even though everything was going on around him, his mind was still very much focused on getting that lap together and executing a clean lap."

McNish believes this ability to remain composed and consistently deliver clean laps is one of Bortoleto's greatest strengths: "He's able to do that quite consistently, execute the clean laps."

Beyond his performances on track, McNish also praised Bortoleto's personality and the atmosphere he creates within the Audi garage.

"If I take it outside, it's just his joyous enthusiasm. He's just a light-hearted, great character to have in the team, smiling, and that's a really big positive for us."

According to McNish, that optimism has proved especially valuable during a challenging season for the team.

"He just lifts us in some of the difficult races we've had, difficult days. We've got Nico, who on the experienced side takes the team forward. Gabi, on the youthful enthusiasm side, takes the team forward as well."