BAKU – In a definitive move that settles months of intense speculation within the Formula 1 paddock, Audi Formula Racing CEO Mattia Binotto officially confirmed on Friday that the team’s driver line-up for the 2026 season will remain unchanged. Speaking at a high-stakes press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Binotto ended the rumors surrounding the seats at the Hinwil-based squad, affirming that both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will continue to spearhead the manufacturer’s ambitious entry into the sport.
The confirmation comes as a significant vote of confidence in the current partnership between the veteran experience of Hülkenberg and the youthful, rising promise of Bortoleto. Since Audi began its formal integration into the Sauber structure, Binotto has emphasized the need for “stability and technical progression” as the brand prepares to take full ownership of the team.
“We have spent a great deal of time evaluating our trajectory for the next eighteen months,” Binotto told reporters in Baku. “Formula 1 is entering a new era of regulations, and the most valuable commodity during a transition of this magnitude is consistency. Nico brings the technical feedback and race craft that we require to develop the platform, while Gabriel has demonstrated a maturity and raw pace that justifies his place in our long-term vision. We are committed to this pairing for 2026.”
The announcement effectively closes the door on the swirling rumors that had linked several high-profile free agents to the coveted Audi seats. Hülkenberg, who has been instrumental in the team’s ongoing development, expressed his relief at the early confirmation. “Knowing where I stand allows us to focus entirely on the performance gap,” the German driver noted. “There is so much heavy lifting happening behind the scenes at the factory; being able to provide continuity is vital for the brand’s first year as a works entry.”
For the young Brazilian, Gabriel Bortoleto, the news represents a career-defining moment. After impressing the Audi leadership with his composure under pressure and exceptional tire management throughout the current campaign, he is widely viewed as the future centerpiece of the team’s aspirations. “I am incredibly grateful to Mattia and the entire board for the trust,” Bortoleto said following the session. “To be part of an OEM entry is a dream, and having another full year to refine our synergy is the perfect scenario for my development.”
As the paddock prepares for the qualifying session in Baku, the pressure now shifts from driver market politics to pure performance. With the 2026 lineup finalized, Binotto and his technical team can now dedicate their full resources toward the internal restructuring of the chassis and power unit departments. For Audi, the message from Azerbaijan is clear: the team has found its foundation, and the focus is now squarely on fighting at the front of the grid when the new regulations officially take hold.
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