On May 2, 2026, Gabriel Bortoleto was disqualified from the Miami Grand Prix sprint race due to an engine technical infringement. This incident marks another challenging day for Audi, as they grapple with persistent technical issues.
Bortoleto finished 11th in the sprint race before his disqualification. The FIA found that the intake air pressure of his engine exceeded the maximum permitted limit of 4.8 barA. Although Audi accepted this measurement, they argued that it occurred only over one lap due to unexpected temperature rises.
The FIA stewards ruled that compliance must be maintained at all times, which Bortoleto’s car did not meet. Following the sprint race issue, he sat out the start of qualifying for the main event.
Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto’s teammate, faced his own challenges as he did not start the sprint race due to a mechanical failure. Meanwhile, Bortoleto’s car was dismantled in the Audi garage during qualifying.
After qualifying, Bortoleto reported a potential brake issue when he said, “My brakes are on fire man.” This incident further compounded Audi’s difficulties in the current Formula 1 season, with this being the third time in five events that an Audi driver failed to start due to engine problems.
Ultimately, Bortoleto started the main race from 22nd position, while Hulkenberg managed to qualify after repairs were made to his car. Audi’s struggles continue to raise questions about their technical reliability as the season progresses.
