Source: Official Team Post via X
Audi Reflect on Challenging Malaysian GP: Penalties and Last-Lap Overtakes
Audi's weekend at the Malaysian Grand Prix was marred by penalties and last-lap drama, leaving them without points. Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed out, while Gabriel Bortoleto's race was affected by a collision with Carlos Sainz.
The Malaysian Grand Prix served up a mixed bag for Audi, with the team leaving Sepang contemplating what might have been. Nico Hulkenberg came agonizingly close to securing a point, only to be overtaken on the final lap, while Gabriel Bortoleto's race was thrown off course by a collision with Williams' Carlos Sainz.
After both drivers made it through to Q3 in qualifying, Hulkenberg started P15 and Bortoleto P10. The decision to start on soft tyres backfired in the damp conditions, a lingering gift from the heavy rain that delayed the race start. A swift switch to intermediates allowed both drivers to claw back some ground, but Bortoleto's hopes were dashed after tangling with Sainz, earning him a 10-second penalty.
Hulkenberg, meanwhile, was in the mix for points until Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad snatched the last one from under his nose on the final lap. Adding to the team's woes, Audi was fined for an unsafe release during Hulkenberg's pit stop—though part of the penalty is suspended for a year, provided there's no repeat offense.
Hulkenberg took the latest narrow miss in stride, reflecting that points were always a long shot given the circumstances. "I've just missed out a few times," he said with a tinge of resignation. "We only got close due to some retirements and trouble up front. It was always going to be difficult, but I'm happier with my performance today compared to yesterday."
Bortoleto, on the other hand, was quick to apologize for his part in the collision with Sainz. "I want to say sorry to Carlos," he admitted. "The contact ruined not just his race but mine too. After that, I was too far back to fight for anything." Yet, despite the setback, Bortoleto found some positives. "We delivered a good upgrade in Baku, and it showed here. I'm looking forward to Singapore."
Audi’s Racing Director Allan McNish acknowledged the frustration of the weekend's events but pointed to the car's strong performance as a silver lining. "We had the pace," McNish noted. "Qualifying showed we got the car in the right window. Missing out on points in the last lap again is frustrating, but we know where our strengths and weaknesses lie."
As the team heads to Singapore, they’ll be hoping for a smoother ride and perhaps a bit of luck. Whether they can convert potential into points at the next race remains to be seen, but their resilience is unquestionable.