Bortoleto Confirms Long-Term Audi Deal as Sainz Rumors Cool Off

Gabriel Bortoleto has confirmed that his future with Audi is secure. The Brazilian driver revealed that his contract is long-term and contains no clauses that could see him replaced next season by Carlos Sainz.

The clarification comes amid speculation linking Sainz with the German manufacturer. Sainz joined Williams in 2025 after turning down an offer from Audi ahead of the team's takeover of Sauber. The Hinwil-based squad instead signed Bortoleto as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate for Sauber's final season, with both drivers remaining as the team transitioned to Audi.

Despite being separated by just a single point in the Constructors' Championship, Audi and Williams have had contrasting seasons. Audi, powered by its first in-house F1 engine, is judged to be overperforming, while Williams has disappointed given the FW48 is powered by arguably the best power unit – the Mercedes HPP engine.

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That led to reports that Sainz had identified Audi as a potential destination for 2027. However, those rumors have quietened after Audi team principal Mattia Binotto declared he has "a good line-up" in Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, a mix of experience and youth.

Bortoleto, who has scored 10 of the team's 12 points this season, is adamant about his commitment. "I have a long-term contract with Audi," he told Motorsport.com's Brazilian edition. "I will be with Audi next year, and not only next year, but for the following years as well."

He added that the project is a long-term one, aligning with Binotto's vision of targeting 2030. "I'm very excited. This year was the first step, building a new car and a new engine. Next year will be another step, and then we'll be able to start putting things into practice," he said.

As for Hulkenberg's future, Bortoleto declined to comment, but the German is unfazed. "It's just typical summer F1 noise," he told PlanetF1.com at Spa. "I know in fact the team is very happy with Gaby and myself. Contracts are very clear."