SUZUKA, Japan – Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto described his qualifying performance at the Japanese Grand Prix as “perfect” despite ultimately starting ninth on the grid for Sunday’s race. The Brazilian driver navigated a competitive qualifying session at Suzuka, reaching the Q3 stage and securing a solid starting position for the race, which begins at 2:00 AM Brasília time (11:00 PM EDT Saturday) on March 29th.
“Even they have these problems, but often the small difference they can make comes from that in Q3,” Bortoleto said, reflecting on his session. “So, I would say the whole qualifying was perfect. We got to Q3, I felt I was out before the ‘retena’ [a specific corner at Suzuka], I was well below my time and happy, and then I started to lose on the straight.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season has already delivered its share of surprises, and the Japanese Grand Prix is proving to be no exception. Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes secured pole position, continuing a strong start to his F1 career, while Bortoleto’s performance highlights the growing competitiveness of the Audi team. The qualifying results set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling race at the iconic Suzuka circuit.
How Bortoleto Qualified
Bortoleto’s qualifying began strongly, finishing just a thousandth of a second behind teammate Nico Hulkenberg in eighth place during the first qualifying segment (Q1). He then elevated his performance in Q2, briefly setting the third-fastest time with a fresh set of tires, while several of the leading drivers opted to conserve their tires by using the same set from Q1. After the initial runs, Bortoleto held fifth position.
Despite not improving his time on his second attempt in Q2 – hampered by a slower first sector – Bortoleto secured a place in the top-10 shootout (Q3) in eighth position. This marked a significant achievement for the young driver and the Audi team, demonstrating their progress in the early stages of the season.
However, Q3 proved to be a challenge, with Bortoleto ultimately finishing ninth. His teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, will start from 13th position. The gap between the two Audi drivers underscores the fine margins that often separate competitors in Formula 1 qualifying.
The qualifying session also saw a surprising early exit for reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who was eliminated in Q2. The unexpected result was attributed to a strong performance from rookie Arvid Lindblad, who put pressure on the more experienced drivers. Verstappen reportedly left the paddock visibly frustrated after the session, according to reports from Terra.
Antonelli’s pole position is his second of the season, following his victory in Shanghai. He was followed closely by George Russell, also of Mercedes, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The front of the grid is shaping up for an intense battle on Sunday.
For Bortoleto, the ninth-place start represents a valuable opportunity to score points and continue his development as a Formula 1 driver. He acknowledged the need for further improvement, stating, “So, it’s part of it, it’s a learning process. I think there’s a lot to be done as well. Maybe I can help with some things in the driving to improve that sense and help the team.”
The Japanese Grand Prix is a crucial race in the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Suzuka circuit, known for its challenging layout and passionate fans, provides a demanding test for both drivers and machines. The race is expected to be a strategic affair, with tire management and pit stop timing playing a key role in the outcome.
Fans can expect a competitive race as drivers vie for position and teams strategize to maximize their points haul. The combination of a challenging track, unpredictable weather conditions, and a highly competitive field promises a thrilling spectacle for Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide.
Next Up: The Japanese Grand Prix begins at 2:00 AM Brasília time (11:00 PM EDT Saturday) on Sunday, March 29th. Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates, race analysis, and exclusive interviews.
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