Hülkenberg’s Last-Minute Pass Rescues a Point for Audi in Brazil

[Source: Audi Revolut F1 Team]

The 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix was a chaotic affair, with changing weather conditions, on-track battles, and penalties keeping drivers on their toes. For the Audi Revolut F1 Team, it was a race that nearly ended in disappointment. However, a late pass by Nico Hülkenberg secured a valuable championship point, while teammate Gabriel Bortoleto battled his way through the field in front of his home crowd.

Hülkenberg started an impressive fourth on the grid at Interlagos, but maintaining that position proved difficult. The race began in wet conditions, with drivers starting on intermediate tires before switching to slicks as the track dried. As faster cars that had started farther back worked their way through the field, Hülkenberg settled into 10th place.

Things took a turn for the worse when Hülkenberg received a 10-second penalty for overtaking Franco Colapinto outside track limits. The penalty appeared to end his chances of scoring points. However, another rain shower brought fresh opportunities.

A perfectly executed pit stop by the Audi crew put Hülkenberg close enough to Arvid Lindblad to challenge for the final points-paying position. Hülkenberg made his move in the closing stages, overtaking Lindblad to reclaim 10th place.

“It’s good to come away from such a tricky race with a point,” said Hülkenberg. “There were plenty of curveballs and opportunities for mistakes, but we managed to navigate them well and it was ultimately a fun race.”

Meanwhile, Bortoleto faced an uphill battle in his home Grand Prix. Starting 19th, the Brazilian survived early contact with Sergio Pérez while overtaking the Cadillac driver. Despite difficult conditions and limited overtaking opportunities, Bortoleto climbed three positions to finish 16th. He also demonstrated encouraging pace during the closing stages.

Audi Racing Director Allan McNish praised the determination of both drivers and highlighted the importance of the team’s pit crew in securing the point.

The result brings Audi’s season total to 28 points, just three behind Haas in the battle for seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship.

With only a handful of races remaining in Audi’s inaugural Formula 1 season, every point matters. The team now turns its attention to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, hoping to close the gap to Haas.