Audi Returns to the Points at the British Grand Prix

[Source: Audi Revolut F1 Team]

The wait is finally over. After several races of near misses and encouraging pace that never quite translated into results, the Audi Revolut F1 Team is back in the points. Gabriel Bortoleto delivered an impressive drive at Silverstone to finish eighth in the 2026 British Grand Prix, earning Audi its first championship points since the season-opening race in Melbourne.

For a team still learning the demands of its inaugural Formula 1 season, the result represents much more than four points. It’s tangible proof that the steady progress Audi has shown over recent race weekends is beginning to pay off.

Bortoleto’s Race

Bortoleto’s race wasn’t straightforward. After losing positions at the start, the Brazilian refused to let the setback define his afternoon. He fought his way back through the field with a composed and determined drive, making the most of the team’s strategy and extracting everything possible from the R26. His eighth-place finish was thoroughly deserved and rewarded everyone at Audi who has continued to develop the car despite several frustrating weekends.

“I’m really pleased with today’s result,” said Bortoleto. “The team truly deserves it. We have been through a few races without scoring points, and that has been tough when you can see the potential in the car but haven’t been able to convert it into something concrete. Today, we finally showed why we’re here and what our true pace is.” Bortoleto also credited the team’s work behind the scenes after narrowly avoiding elimination in Q1 during qualifying.

Other Side of the Garage

“The team did an incredible job to get everything together, put the car in the right window, and then deliver both a strong qualifying session and a solid race. I’m really happy for everyone both trackside, in Hinwil and Neuburg.”

Unfortunately, the celebration was tempered by disappointment on the other side of the garage. Nico Hülkenberg appeared capable of fighting for a strong result before his race unraveled. Following a difficult start and an early spin while battling in traffic, a gearbox issue forced the veteran German to retire before the finish.

“It’s been a character-building weekend,” Hülkenberg said. “On the positive side, it’s great to see Gabi scoring points. That’s a really strong result for him and for the team, and it shows the potential we have when things come together.” Racing Director Allan McNish echoed that sentiment, describing the afternoon as both rewarding and bittersweet.

“Scoring our first points since Melbourne is a significant milestone and a reflection of the hard work, patience and determination everyone has shown over a long period of time,” McNish said. “We believed that if we kept executing well and continued to develop, the result would come, and today it did.”

Looking Ahead

While Hülkenberg’s retirement prevented an even stronger result, Silverstone felt like an important turning point for Audi’s Formula 1 program. The team has shown improved pace in recent races, and now it finally has the points to validate that progress.

With the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps next on the calendar, Audi arrives with renewed confidence and valuable momentum. If Silverstone is any indication, the team’s climb up the Formula 1 grid is only beginning.