Gabriel Bortoletto aims for top ten in Hungary as Audi eyes Williams in constructors’ fight
Gabriele Bortoletto’s resurgence has put Audi within striking distance of Williams in the hotly contested battle for eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship, as the Formula 1 paddock descends on the Hungaroring for the final showdown before the summer break. After a difficult period finishing ninth in Australia, Bortoletto rejuvenated Audi’s campaign with consecutive eighth-place results at Silverstone and Spa, reducing the gap to Williams to one point.
Brazil’s momentum has injected new optimism into the Audi camp. Bortoletto, who achieved the best F1 finish of his career with sixth place at the Hungaroring last year, is determined to maintain this upward trajectory. “Scoring points in the last two races has been a big boost for everyone and we want to continue that,” Bortoletto said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. “We have made progress over the last few weekends and now the aim is to confirm that in Hungary this weekend. I really enjoyed racing here last year, so I’m looking forward to coming back. This is the last race before the summer break, so it will be great for the whole team to end the first half of the season with another great result.”
Audi’s ambitions depend not only on Bortoletto’s form, but also on whether Nico Hulkenberg can finally break his points drought. The 38-year-old German, who is yet to make a top ten finish this season, is under increasing pressure to perform. After another disappointing outing at the spa, Hulkenberg focuses on a flawless weekend in Budapest. Hulkenberg commented, “There is less time before Budapest, which is a good thing. Spa is behind us and now we are completely focused on the next race.” “Last weekend we showed that we have the potential, so now the priority is to have a comfortable weekend. The Hungaroring is a completely different circuit and, if we can get the car into a window of good performance from the start and avoid the issues we have been penalized for recently, we should be in a good position to fight for the places we want. It is the last race before the summer break, so the aim is to do a good job and have some positives to take with us into the second half of the season.” Have to bring.”
All eyes are now on Audi as they prepare for a crucial weekend in Hungary, where a strong performance could see them overtake Williams and enter the mid-season with new confidence and momentum.
