Gabriel Bortoleto was disqualified from the Miami Grand Prix sprint race on May 2, 2026, due to an engine technical infringement. This incident not only affected his race but also highlighted ongoing technical issues for Audi, making it a challenging day for the team.
Bortoleto finished 11th in the sprint race before his disqualification, which stemmed from his car’s intake air pressure exceeding the maximum permitted limit of 4.8 barA. Audi accepted that the FIA measured this pressure over one lap but argued that it resulted from unexpected temperature rises.
The FIA stewards ruled that a car must comply with regulations at all times—a rule Bortoleto’s vehicle failed to meet. This ruling has significant implications for Audi, which has struggled with engine-related problems throughout the current Formula 1 season.
This incident is particularly notable as it marks the third time in five events that an Audi driver has failed to start due to engine issues. Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto’s teammate, did not start the sprint race due to a mechanical failure of his own.
Bortoleto’s car was dismantled in the Audi garage during qualifying, raising further concerns about its reliability. During the cooldown lap after qualifying, Bortoleto reported that his brakes were on fire—an alarming indication of potential underlying issues.
As a result of his disqualification, Bortoleto started the main race from 22nd position. Meanwhile, Hulkenberg managed to qualify for the main event after repairs were made to his car.
This situation brings attention to a larger issue within Audi’s operations this season—technical failures have plagued their performance and raised questions about their competitiveness moving forward.
The next steps for Audi involve addressing these persistent technical challenges and ensuring compliance with FIA regulations. Observers are keenly watching how these developments will influence their strategy in upcoming races.