GP von Miami 2026: Setbacks in the Sprint, response in Qualifying.
Audi Revolut F1® Team faces a demanding day with technical setbacks in the Sprint and limited preparation in Qualifying, leaving the race outlook open.
Refocusing execution
Saturday disrupted the planned flow early on. Nico Hulkenberg was unable to start the Sprint after a technical issue on the installation lap. In parallel, Gabriel converted a strong start into P11 on track, before a post-race disqualification removed the result.
Between sessions, the focus shifted to restoring both cars. Hulkenberg’s package required a power unit and gearbox change, completed in time to allow a structured Qualifying session. He secured P11 on the grid, narrowly missing Q3 while positioning himself within reach of the points.
Gabriel’s preparation was delayed by a gearbox change. The car returned to the track in the final phase of Qualifying, before a brake issue limited his running and left him P22. The position reflects the circumstances rather than underlying pace.
“A very challenging day for us from start to finish."
"We had an issue on Nico’s car before the sprint which ultimately led to a leak and fire on the way to the grid, meaning he couldn’t start. On the other side, Gabriel made a strong start and drove well, but a technical infringement unfortunately resulted in a disqualification."
Allan McNish
"Between sessions we then faced a gearbox issue on his car, and despite a huge effort from the crew to get him back out, a brake problem forced him to stop on track in qualifying."
Allan McNish
“The positive is Nico’s recovery, a very strong performance to take P11 and just miss out on Q3. More importantly, both crews showed real grit, determination and teamwork under pressure, which is exactly what we need at this stage of the project. We now have to regroup, learn from today, and make sure we maximise every opportunity that comes our way tomorrow.”
“First of all, a big thanks to the mechanics - they did a great job turning the car around after the Sprint and getting it back out there."
"It was a big effort in a short amount of time, so full credit to them. From my side, I think we got the maximum out of the session today. The gap to the cars ahead was quite clear, so realistically there wasn’t much more on the table."
Nico Hulkenberg
"The car felt consistent with yesterday, which was important given we didn’t have time for the usual checks after the repairs. Now it’s about focusing on tomorrow and seeing what we can do in the race.”
"A bit of a tough day with an unfortunate disqualification in the Sprint."
"It felt like I had settled into a pace I was comfortable with, but the cars ahead were also quite strong. Before the Qualifying session, we had to make some changes to the car, but obviously didn't have a lot of time."
Gabriel Bortoleto
"The team did a tremendous job to get the car back out there, but when things have to be rushed like this and you don’t have time to fully check everything, it’s always going to be tough. We tried our best, but had too many problems on the lap and had to stop the car. It’s a shame, but it’s a new day tomorrow."
Results
Qualifying
R04 | Miami | Qualifying
NICO HULKENBERG
P10
1:29.439 (Q2)
+1.323
R04 | Miami | Qualifying
GABRIEL BORTOLETO
P21
1:33.737 (Q1)
+5.084
A significant effort went into preparing the car.
Unexpected residual pressure in the brake system forced Bortoleto to stop on track during the in-lap.
Results
Sprint Race
R04 | Miami | Sprint
GABRIEL BORTOLETO
DSQ
-
-
R04 | Miami | Sprint
NICO HULKENBERG
DNS
-
-
Nico’s car developed a technical issue on the way to the grid. An operational problem the Team will now investigate.
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Following post-Sprint scrutineering, car #5 was found not to meet the technical requirements...
...and has been disqualified from the sprint race. The team acknowledges the stewards’ decision and will be conducting an internal review to understand the causes of this issue and prevent its recurrence.
